RBI Considers 2013 Crisis Strategies to Address Rupee's Record Low Against Dollar
Why the RBI is weighing a rare 2013-crisis playbook to arrest rupee slide to record lows?
The Economic TimesImage: The Economic Times
The Indian rupee has hit a record low of 95.08 against the US dollar amid rising crude oil prices and foreign capital outflows. To stabilize the currency, the Reserve Bank of India is exploring measures reminiscent of the 2013 currency crisis, including a special deposit scheme for non-resident Indians and easing tax rules for foreign investors.
- 01The rupee closed at a record low of 95.08 against the US dollar.
- 02Rising crude oil prices and foreign capital outflows are pressuring the rupee.
- 03The RBI is considering reviving a special NRI dollar deposit scheme from 2013.
- 04Removing the 5% withholding tax on foreign investors in government bonds is also under discussion.
- 05Analysts caution that while these measures may help, the current economic backdrop is significantly different.
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The Indian rupee has fallen to a record low of 95.08 against the US dollar, driven by escalating crude oil prices, which are currently above $100 per barrel, and substantial foreign capital outflows totaling nearly $20 billion. In response, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is considering measures reminiscent of the 2013 currency crisis. These include potentially reviving a special deposit scheme for non-resident Indians (NRIs) that previously helped attract around $26 billion in dollar deposits. Additionally, the RBI is contemplating the removal of the 5% withholding tax on foreign investments in Indian government bonds to stimulate inflows. Despite having forex reserves of approximately $698 billion, down from a peak of $728.5 billion, the RBI's interventions in the currency markets have not fully stabilized the rupee. Analysts note that while these strategies could provide temporary relief, the current economic conditions, including geopolitical tensions and higher global interest rates, present a more challenging environment than in 2013.
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The depreciation of the rupee increases the cost of imports, particularly oil, which could lead to higher inflation and affect consumer prices in India.
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