Mumbai: India’s foreign exchange reserves surged by $8.66 billion in the week ending February 13, 2026, breaking previous records and marking a strong recovery after a $6.71 billion decline the prior week. The boost comes as India receives relief following the recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling on tariffs.
Dual Boost from Gold and Forex Assets
- Gold Reserves: The Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) gold reserves rose by $4.99 billion, taking the total value to $128.466 billion, with physical holdings now exceeding 880 tonnes—approximately 15% of India’s total forex reserves. The increase follows a week in which international gold prices saw notable gains.
- Foreign Currency Assets (FCA): RBI’s FCA holdings grew by $3.55 billion, bringing the total to $573.603 billion. FCA includes U.S. dollars as well as other currencies like the euro, pound, and yen, and represents a critical component of India’s overall forex reserves.
With these gains, India’s total foreign exchange reserves reached $725.727 billion, surpassing the previous high of $723.774 billion recorded during the week ending January 30, 2026.
Special Drawing Rights and IMF Reserves
- SDR Holdings: India’s Special Drawing Rights (SDR) increased modestly by $103 million, bringing the total to $18.924 billion.
- IMF Reserve Position: India’s reserve held at the International Monetary Fund also rose by $19 million, reaching $4.734 billion.
Market Insights
Analysts note that the increase reflects both rising gold prices and strong inflows into foreign currency assets. The RBI’s reserves provide a significant buffer against global economic uncertainties and support India’s financial stability, currency management, and international trade.
This record-breaking growth in reserves strengthens India’s position in global markets and underscores the resilience of its economy amid international developments.