FPI outflow: ₹48,056 crore pulled from Indian equities in October
Why in the news
Depository data released on 25 October 2026 showed that foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) have taken out a net ₹48,056 crore from Indian equities so far in October.
Key facts
- Net equity outflow: ₹48,056 crore in October to date.
- Exchange selling: ₹53,337 crore was withdrawn through sales on the stock exchanges.
- Primary market: FPIs invested ₹5,281 crore in the primary market, softening the total outflow.
- Reasons: elevated crude oil prices and worsening geopolitical tensions.
- Signs of easing: in the past week selling slowed, and FPIs were net buyers on two trading days.
Debt market flows (October so far)
| Route | Direction | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| General Limit | Inflow | ₹3,737 crore |
| Fully Accessible Route (FAR) | Outflow | ₹3,858 crore |
| Voluntary Retention Route (VRR) | Outflow | ₹1,332 crore |
About FPI debt routes
FPIs can invest in Indian debt through several channels. The General Limit route carries quantitative caps. The Fully Accessible Route, brought in by the RBI in 2020, allows foreign investment without caps in select Government of India securities, known as FAR bonds. Under the Voluntary Retention Route, FPIs face lighter rules in exchange for committing to keep a minimum part of their money in India for a fixed period.
Exam angle
- Remember the split: exchange selling of ₹53,337 crore minus primary inflow of ₹5,281 crore gives the net ₹48,056 crore outflow.
- Know the three debt routes: General Limit, FAR and VRR.
- FAR was introduced by the RBI in 2020 for select government bonds.