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Current account deficit narrows to $11.2 bn in Q2: RBI
  • The Indian Express
  • |
  • Economics (Macroeconomics)
  • |
  • 2024-12-28
  • Forex Reserves
  • Current Account Deficit (CAD)
  • FPI

India's current account deficit slightly decreased to $11.2 billion (1.2% of GDP) in Q2 2024-25, led by increased services receipts and private transfers. Foreign portfolio investment and non-resident deposits surged, boosting foreign exchange reserves significantly.

Current Account Deficit (CAD) Overview

The country's current account deficit (CAD) slightly improved to $11.2 billion, which is 1.2% of the GDP, in the July-September 2024 quarter. This is a marginal decline from $11.3 billion or 1.3% of GDP during the same period the previous fiscal year.

  • April-September Period (H1 FY2024-25):
    • CAD was $21.4 billion (1.2% of GDP) compared to $20.2 billion (1.2% of GDP) in H1 2023-24.
    • Definition: CAD is the difference between exports and imports of goods and services, indicating the health of the external sector.

Merchandise and Services Trade

  • Merchandise Trade Deficit: Increased to $75.3 billion in Q2 FY2024-25 from $64.5 billion in the same period of FY2023-24.
  • Net Services Receipts: Rose to $44.5 billion in Q2 FY2024-25 from $39.9 billion a year ago.
  • Services exports showed year-on-year growth across various categories such as computer, business, travel, and transportation services.

Private Transfers and Investments

  • Private Transfer Receipts: Increased to $31.9 billion in the second quarter from $28.1 billion in the same period last year.
  • Net Foreign Direct Investment: Recorded an outflow of $2.2 billion in the reporting quarter, compared to $0.8 billion the previous year.

Foreign Portfolio Investment (FPI) and Deposits

  • Net FPI Inflows: Increased to $19.9 billion in Q2 2024-25, up from $4.9 billion in Q2 2023-24.
  • For April-September 2024, net FPI inflows were $20.8 billion, slightly above the $20.7 billion a year ago.
  • Non-Resident Deposits (NRI deposits): Net inflows rose to $6.2 billion in Q2, higher than $3.2 billion the previous year.

Foreign Exchange Reserves

There was an accretion of $18.6 billion to the foreign exchange reserves on a balance of payment basis in Q2 FY2024-25, much higher than the $2.5 billion recorded in Q2 FY2023-24.

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