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Record Gross FDI of $94.5 Billion Leaves India With Modest Net Inflows

Large repatriations by foreign investors combined with rising outward investment forced the Reserve Bank of India to sell foreign exchange to steady the rupee.

Overview

  • India’s gross foreign direct investment reached a record $94.53 billion in FY2025–26 while net FDI was about $7.7 billion after deducting outflows.
  • Foreign investors repatriated roughly $53.6 billion and Indian firms invested about $33.3 billion overseas in FY2025–26, which sharply reduced the net retained capital.
  • The Reserve Bank of India intervened heavily in the currency market in the fiscal year, reporting gross forex sales near $195.4 billion and net sales of about $53.1 billion to support the rupee.
  • Portfolio investors withdrew large sums after the West Asia war began, with reported FPI outflows of roughly $13.6 billion in March, $7.56 billion in April, and $2.62 billion in May, increasing near‑term currency pressure.
  • Net FDI remains far below the FY21 peak of about $44 billion, a trend that highlights deeper shifts in how capital moves into and out of India and could raise borrowing costs and exchange‑rate volatility for businesses and households.