Foreign Exchange Buffers Reach $682 Billion as RBI Logs Weekly Gains

According to the Reserve Bank of India’s weekly statistical supplement, India’s foreign exchange reserves climbed by $6.118 billion in the week that concluded on July 24, 2026. The new total of $682.2354 billion marks the latest step in a series of weekly improvements.

The week before, ending July 17, the reserves had risen by $1.08 billion to $676.237 billion, confirming two straight weeks of positive accumulation.

Gold holdings also registered growth, with the gold reserve valuation increasing by $1.308 billion to $103.058 billion. The foreign currency assets component rose by $4.873 billion, now valued at $555.929 billion.

Special Drawing Rights fell by $5.3 million, leaving a balance of $18.617 billion.

RBI officials explained that the early‑year dip, triggered by global uncertainty, has been steadily reversed. The bank’s policy remains to intervene only when excessive rupee volatility is observed, without pursuing a specific exchange‑rate target.

Economists note that a strong reserve position enables India to meet import commitments, clear external debts, and sustain economic stability during periods of global financial or geopolitical stress. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has repeatedly appealed to citizens to conserve foreign exchange by limiting foreign trips, reducing fuel consumption and abstaining from gold purchases for a year.

These figures are a reminder of the all‑time high of $728.494 billion recorded in the week ending February 27, 2026, after which RBI’s dollar‑selling actions helped temper rupee depreciation amid escalating regional tensions.