Forex reserves fall $5 billion to $721 billion in week to Oct 16
Why in the news
RBI data released on 23 October 2026 showed that India’s foreign exchange reserves declined by $5 billion to $721 billion in the week ended 16 October.
Key facts
- Total reserves: $721 billion, down $5 billion over the week.
- Foreign currency assets (FCA): the largest component, fell $5.7 billion to $591.8 billion and drove the overall decline.
- Gold: rose $706 million to $105.8 billion, partly offsetting the fall.
- Special Drawing Rights (SDRs): up $30 million to $18.5 billion.
- Reserve position in the IMF: up $11 million to $4.79 billion.
Components of reserves (week ended 16 October 2026)
| Component | Level | Weekly change |
|---|---|---|
| Foreign currency assets | $591.8 billion | -$5.7 billion |
| Gold reserves | $105.8 billion | +$706 million |
| SDRs | $18.5 billion | +$30 million |
| Reserve position in IMF | $4.79 billion | +$11 million |
| Total | $721 billion | -$5 billion |
About forex reserves
The weekly forex data are released by the Reserve Bank of India and cover four parts: foreign currency assets, gold, SDRs and the reserve tranche position with the International Monetary Fund.
Exam angle
- Remember the four components and that FCA is the largest.
- Latest level: $721 billion; gold at $105.8 billion.
- The fall in FCA ($5.7 billion) outweighed gains in gold, SDRs and the IMF position.