
RBI’s FCNR(B) and ECB swap windows aim to boost liquidity, stabilise the rupee and ease funding costs for banks. Attractive returns for NRIs and lower hedging costs for lenders create a win-win. Strong inflows could support credit growth, margins and offset persistent FPI outflows from Indian banking stocks.

Facing renewed external sector pressures, the RBI has revived a version of the FCNR(B) deposit framework to attract foreign currency inflows and support the rupee. While effective for near-term stability, experts say long-term resilience requires reducing structural vulnerabilities and import dependence.

New RBI measures aim to make overseas borrowing cheaper for banks. External commercial borrowing costs may drop by up to 2.50 percent. This will help banks raise funds at lower rates and boost liquidity. Special swap facilities will also cut hedging costs. These steps are expected to strengthen India's foreign exchange reserves and ease deposit mobilization pressures for banks.

India's foreign exchange reserves saw a dip of $711 million, settling at $681.610 billion by June 5. This decline was primarily driven by a significant drop in foreign currency assets, which fell by $2.704 billion. However, the value of gold reserves experienced an increase of $1.975 billion during the same period.

Asian central banks are intensifying efforts to curb offshore forex speculation as external pressures like high oil prices and a strong dollar weaken regional currencies. Policymakers are increasing oversight of offshore derivatives and tightening trading limits to stabilize currencies like the rupiah, won, rupee, and peso, which have hit record lows.

New measures by the RBI and government aim to attract foreign capital. These steps are expected to bring in USD 60-70 billion. This influx will support the Indian rupee. Reforms also target increased foreign investor participation in government securities. These coordinated efforts strengthen India's financial standing and global market integration.

Indian banks are significantly increasing rates on foreign-currency deposits to attract overseas residents, testing the central bank's new measures to boost capital inflows and support the rupee. This strategy aims to strengthen the currency amidst high oil prices and intense domestic deposit competition.

Indian markets closed higher on Tuesday, boosted by banking and financial stocks. The Reserve Bank of India's new forex swap facility eased overseas borrowing concerns. Market sentiment improved with hopes of a Middle East truce and falling crude oil prices. Investors remain watchful due to ongoing geopolitical tensions and inflation worries.

The dollar held steady as U.S. strikes on Iran followed a helicopter incident, though President Trump downplayed the event. Investors await U.S. inflation data for Federal Reserve policy clues. Meanwhile, the yen weakened as Japan's wholesale prices surged, with markets anticipating a Bank of Japan rate hike.

India has removed capital gains tax on foreign investments in government bonds. This move aims to help India join Bloomberg's Global Aggregate Index. Meanwhile, the fertiliser ministry is requesting more subsidy funds. This is due to rising global prices influenced by the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran.