India central bank’s gold pile tops $100 billion on surging bullion prices — Mumbai
Mumbai — India’s gold reserves have reached a historic milestone, surpassing the $100 billion mark for the first time, highlighting the country’s robust economic position and prudent reserve management.
According to the latest foreign exchange reserve data released by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), India’s gold holdings rose by $3.595 billion to reach $102.365 billion in the week ending October 10, 2025.
This milestone underscores both the strength of the country’s financial strategy and the favorable global dynamics driving bullion prices.
Even as the RBI’s gold purchases slowed compared to previous years, the steady rise in global gold prices has elevated India’s reserves to an all-time high.
Overall foreign exchange reserves stood at $697.784 billion, reflecting India’s balanced and diversified approach to reserve management.
Analysts and market participants view the achievement as a strong indicator of India’s resilience and preparedness amid global economic uncertainties.
Gold’s share in India’s total reserves has now climbed to 14.7%, marking the highest proportion since 1996-97. Over the past decade, the share of gold in India’s foreign exchange reserves has nearly doubled, rising from below 7% to almost 15%.
This growth demonstrates the effectiveness of India’s long-term reserve accumulation strategy and the central bank’s focus on enhancing financial security through valuable assets.
Kavita Chacko, research head for India at the World Gold Council, highlighted the impact of rising gold prices on the reserve portfolio.
“While the RBI’s direct gold purchases have slowed this year, the valuation gains from the increasing gold price have driven the share of gold in India’s foreign exchange reserves to record levels.
This is a testament to India’s robust financial strategy and global economic positioning,” she said.
Global gold prices have surged approximately 65% in 2025, fueled by a combination of macroeconomic stability, institutional demand, and investor confidence. This favorable environment has allowed India to achieve this landmark even with reduced acquisitions.
Between January and September 2025, the RBI purchased just 4 tons of gold, compared to 50 tons during the same period last year. Despite this moderation, India’s gold holdings have continued to grow in value, demonstrating the strategic advantage of holding diversified and stable reserves.
India’s approach aligns with a broader global trend of central banks increasing their gold holdings as a hedge against market volatility and geopolitical risks.
Countries worldwide are diversifying away from single-currency reliance, particularly the U.S. dollar, to protect their economic stability. India’s rising gold reserves reflect both a continuation of this global trend and a strong commitment to maintaining financial resilience.
As the world’s second-largest consumer of gold, India relies on imports to satisfy domestic demand. Gold remains deeply ingrained in Indian culture, symbolizing tradition, prosperity, and financial security.
Its dual role as an investment and a cultural asset has strengthened the country’s strategic reserve planning, combining economic foresight with societal values.
Financial experts see this $100 billion gold milestone as an affirmation of India’s growing economic influence on the global stage. By maintaining a well-diversified reserve portfolio and leveraging favorable market trends, India is not only protecting its economy but also enhancing its credibility in international financial markets.
The achievement further positions India as a global leader in prudent reserve management, illustrating how strategic accumulation of precious assets can deliver long-term economic benefits.
As gold continues to play a critical role in global finance, India’s carefully managed reserves offer both security and confidence to policymakers, investors, and citizens alike.
In summary, India’s gold reserves reaching $102.365 billion represents a remarkable financial achievement, demonstrating the country’s resilience, foresight, and global economic standing.
The milestone underscores the success of a strategy that blends tradition, investment security, and market opportunity, reaffirming India’s place among the world’s most economically robust nations
