Indian banks have halted gold and silver import orders due to delays in government clearance, resulting in over 5 tons of gold and 8 tons of silver stuck at customs. This situation arises as the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has yet to issue a new order authorizing banks to import these metals, following the expiration of the last order in April 2025. As the world's second-largest consumer of gold, India relies heavily on imports, and the current stoppage could lead to significant shortages. The World Gold Council reported that India's gold demand fell to 710.9 metric tons in 2025, the lowest in five years, indicating a potential decline in market activity. The lack of imports may also lower global gold and silver prices while helping to reduce India's trade deficit and support the rupee, which has struggled this year. Industry experts emphasize the need for clarity from the government to resume imports, especially ahead of the Akshaya Tritiya festival, a significant period for gold purchases in India.