New Delhi: Outward remittances from India reached a 13-month high in September, driven primarily by spending on travel and lifestyle abroad. According to a report by TOI, under the RBI’s Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS), Indians sent nearly $2.8 billion abroad last month—the highest in the past 13 months. This represents a 1% increase compared to $2.76 billion in September 2024 and a 5% rise over $2.6 billion in August 2025. Under LRS, individuals can remit up to $250,000 per financial year with relative ease.
Travel Drives the Surge
Despite the record, the total remittances from April to September 2025 were slightly lower than last year. Between April and September 2025, total outward remittances amounted to $14.8 billion, compared to $15.6 billion during the same period in 2024. Spending on foreign travel continues to dominate, accounting for $1.7 billion in September. Though this is 2.8% lower than last year, its share of total remittances has increased to 58%, up from just 14% a decade ago, indicating a growing preference among Indians to spend on international travel.
Decline in Education and Family Support Remittances
Remittances for foreign education fell by 17.4%, totaling $264 million in September. Similarly, funds sent to support relatives abroad have softened. The share of education-related remittances, which peaked at 30% in 2021, has now dropped below 10%. Support for relatives abroad, which was around 30% in 2016, now stands at roughly 12-15%.
Surge in Overseas Investment
Another significant trend in September was the increase in equity and debt investments abroad. Funds directed toward global shares and bonds more than doubled to $279 million, as Indians show greater interest in international markets. The growing availability of ETFs and the allure of tech stocks have contributed to this surge. However, the overall share of overseas investment remains modest, declining from 24% in 2012 to 5-7% in recent years, partly due to limits on foreign investment via mutual funds.
Bottom Line
The record remittances highlight a shift in India’s foreign currency outflow patterns, with leisure and global investments now taking the lead over traditional remittances for education and family support.New Delhi: Outward remittances from India reached a 13-month high in September, driven primarily by spending on travel and lifestyle abroad. According to a report by TOI, under the RBI’s Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS), Indians sent nearly $2.8 billion abroad last month—the highest in the past 13 months. This represents a 1% increase compared to $2.76 billion in September 2024 and a 5% rise over $2.6 billion in August 2025. Under LRS, individuals can remit up to $250,000 per financial year with relative ease.
Travel Drives the Surge
Despite the record, the total remittances from April to September 2025 were slightly lower than last year. Between April and September 2025, total outward remittances amounted to $14.8 billion, compared to $15.6 billion during the same period in 2024. Spending on foreign travel continues to dominate, accounting for $1.7 billion in September. Though this is 2.8% lower than last year, its share of total remittances has increased to 58%, up from just 14% a decade ago, indicating a growing preference among Indians to spend on international travel.
Decline in Education and Family Support Remittances
Remittances for foreign education fell by 17.4%, totaling $264 million in September. Similarly, funds sent to support relatives abroad have softened. The share of education-related remittances, which peaked at 30% in 2021, has now dropped below 10%. Support for relatives abroad, which was around 30% in 2016, now stands at roughly 12-15%.
Surge in Overseas Investment
Another significant trend in September was the increase in equity and debt investments abroad. Funds directed toward global shares and bonds more than doubled to $279 million, as Indians show greater interest in international markets. The growing availability of ETFs and the allure of tech stocks have contributed to this surge. However, the overall share of overseas investment remains modest, declining from 24% in 2012 to 5-7% in recent years, partly due to limits on foreign investment via mutual funds.
Bottom Line
The record remittances highlight a shift in India’s foreign currency outflow patterns, with leisure and global investments now taking the lead over traditional remittances for education and family support.
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