RBI to Inject $10 Billion via Forex Swap to Address Liquidity Deficit
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced a significant measure to address the persistent liquidity deficit in the nation’s banking system by initiating a $10 billion dollar-rupee buy/sell swap auction. Scheduled for February 28, 2025, this operation aims to inject approximately ₹870 billion into the financial system, providing much-needed liquidity relief to banks. The first leg of the transaction is set for settlement on March 4, with the reverse leg on March 6, 2028.
This move comes in response to a liquidity shortfall that has been evident since mid-December 2024, largely attributed to the RBI’s active intervention in the foreign exchange market to manage the rupee’s depreciation. Such interventions, while stabilizing the currency, have inadvertently tightened rupee liquidity. To mitigate this, the RBI has previously conducted measures including open market operations and a $5 billion six-month swap auction in January 2025. Despite these efforts, the banking system continued to experience a liquidity deficit, estimated at around ₹1.7 trillion as of February 20.
The upcoming three-year swap auction is notable not only for its size but also for its extended tenor, indicating the RBI’s commitment to providing durable liquidity support. Analysts interpret this as a strategic move to ensure effective transmission of monetary policy, especially in light of the recent interest rate cut—the first in nearly five years. Aditi Gupta, an economist with Bank of Baroda, suggests that the extended maturity of the swap reflects the RBI’s intent to inject lasting liquidity, potentially facilitating future rate cuts.
Market participants are required to place bids in terms of the premium they are willing to pay to the RBI, quoted in paisa terms up to two decimal places. The minimum bid size is set at $10 million, with bids to be submitted in multiples of $1 million. The auction will take place between 10:30 am and 11:30 am on February 28, with results announced the same day.
This strategic infusion is expected to alleviate the liquidity constraints faced by banks, enabling them to enhance lending and support economic activities. By addressing the liquidity deficit, the RBI aims to stabilize the financial system, ensure the smooth functioning of markets, and support the broader economy during this period of fiscal tightening.
