Foreign currency borrowing by Indian corporates dropped sharply in March, falling 51% to $5.43 billion from $11.04 billion a year earlier. RBI data points to higher interest rates, a weakening rupee, and especially rising hedging costs that made overseas loans less attractive. Even FY26 figures reflect the slowdown, with ECBs and FCCBs down 30% to $42.87 billion. Instead of borrowing at higher costs, many firms allowed annual limits to lapse.
Improving U.S.-Iran peace talk signals and RBI actions are easing pressure on the rupee, with hedging costs and volatility expectations dropping sharply. The currency has bounced off its recent low, but a durable turnaround depends on trade and investment inflows. Risks remain as the current account deficit widens and capital flows stay weak.
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