RBI’s Gold Reserves Surge by Nearly ₹12,000 Crore in a Week Amid Global Price Rally
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) witnessed a sharp rise in the value of its gold reserves, which jumped by nearly ₹12,000 crore in just one week, driven primarily by a global surge in gold prices. According to the latest RBI weekly statistical supplement, the total value of gold held by the central bank reached ₹91,351 crore as of April 12 — up from ₹79,808 crore a week earlier.
This marks one of the most significant weekly increases in recent years and comes amid heightened global demand for safe-haven assets due to ongoing geopolitical uncertainties and expectations of central banks globally holding interest rates steady or cutting them in the near future.
Gold Prices Surge Globally Amid Economic Uncertainty
The spike in RBI’s gold valuation is closely tied to the rally in international gold prices, which recently touched record highs above $2,400 per ounce. Rising tensions in the Middle East, lingering inflation concerns, and central bank diversification strategies have contributed to increased demand for the yellow metal.
For India, which ranks among the world’s largest gold consumers and holders, these developments have not only boosted the value of its forex assets but also reinforced gold’s role as a hedge in volatile macroeconomic conditions.
RBI’s Broader Forex Position Strengthens
Apart from gold, the RBI’s overall foreign exchange reserves also rose during the week, reaching $645.58 billion — an increase of $2.88 billion from the previous period. This includes foreign currency assets, special drawing rights (SDRs), the reserve position with the IMF, and gold reserves.
The steady buildup of reserves is in line with the RBI’s broader strategy to maintain a buffer against global shocks, stabilize the rupee, and manage external account volatility. Analysts note that the RBI has been actively diversifying its reserve composition, with gold now playing a more prominent role in the portfolio.
Central Banks Globally Turn to Gold
India’s gold reserve buildup mirrors a global trend, where central banks — including those in China, Russia, Turkey, and several emerging markets — have increased their gold purchases as a way to reduce dependency on the U.S. dollar and mitigate currency risk. The World Gold Council has reported record levels of central bank buying since 2022, a trend that has only accelerated in 2024–25.
The RBI’s recent increase in gold holdings is thus not merely a valuation effect but also a reflection of a broader policy approach to enhance reserve security and liquidity amid an increasingly fragmented global financial landscape.
