India’s foreign exchange reserves surged by nearly $10 billion to $716.91 billion in the week ended August 14, 2026, according to data released by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). The latest increase pushed the country’s reserves to a six-month high and closer to the record level reached earlier this year.
The reserves increased by $9.91 billion during the week, following a rise of more than $14 billion in the previous reporting week. India’s forex reserves had stood at around $707 billion as of August 7.
Foreign Currency Assets Lead the Rise
Foreign currency assets (FCAs), the largest component of India’s reserves, increased by approximately $7.22 billion to $581.85 billion during the week. The value of India’s gold reserves also rose by around $2.68 billion to $111.42 billion.
Special Drawing Rights (SDRs), another component of the reserves, declined marginally during the week.
India’s forex reserves had reached an all-time high of $728.49 billion in the week ended February 27, 2026. The latest figures put the reserves within roughly $12 billion of that record.
Strong Foreign Exchange Inflows
The recent rise has been supported by strong foreign currency inflows following measures introduced by the RBI and the government to strengthen India’s external finances.
The RBI's special measures attracted substantial foreign currency inflows, helping reserves cross the $700-billion mark and strengthening the country's external liquidity position.
A higher level of forex reserves gives the RBI greater capacity to manage excessive volatility in the foreign exchange market and provides a stronger cushion against external financial shocks.
