India, Maldives ink pact for cross-border transactions in local currencies | Current Affairs | Vision IAS
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India, Maldives ink pact for cross-border transactions in local currencies

Posted 22 Nov 2024

2 min read

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) & Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish a framework for promoting the use of local currencies for cross-border transactions.

  • India has been promoting use of local currencies as part of its efforts to internationalize the rupee and reduce US dollar dependency.

About Internationalization of Currency (Rupee): 

  • Currency internationalization is described as the international extension of a national currency’s basic functions of serving as a unit of account, medium of exchange and store of value
    • E.g., Involves Promotion of the rupee for current account transactions and foreign trade.

Significance of Internationalization of Rupee 

  • Counter trade risk: Internationalization of Rupee enables domestic firms to invoice and settle international trade in local currency, reducing exchange rate risks. 
  • Broader financial Access: Domestic entities can tap international markets as IR reduces cost of capital & expands financing options.
  • Reserve Management: Reduces need for maintaining large foreign exchange reserves, lowering associated costs and external vulnerabilities. 

Challenges in Internationalization of Rupee 

  • Initial stages may see significant currency fluctuations
  • Global currency supply obligations would conflict with domestic monetary control needs (Triffin Dilemma)
  • Increased exposure to international shocks through unrestricted cross-border capital flows.

Steps taken towards Internationalization of Rupee

  • RBI has allowed invoicing and payments for international trade in Indian Rupee.
  • Special Rupee Vostro Account system to promote Rupee as an international currency.
  • India has signed currency swap agreements with countries like Japan, Sri Lanka, and Bhutan. 
  • Tags :
  • India-Maldives Relations
  • Internationalisation of Rupee
  • Special Rupee Vostro Account
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