RBI steps up dollar sales to $53 billion to defend rupee in FY26

Published 5/22/2026, 11:16:41 PM · Updated 5/23/2026, 1:34:08 AMBy TheBriefWire Editorial Team

Key points

Re rises on RBI intervention MUMBAI: RBI stepped up dollar sales in FY26 to manage exchange rate volatility.
The central bank recorded a total net sale of $53.1 billion over the course of the fiscal year an increase of $12 billion compared to net sales of $41.1 billion in FY25. Despite temporary periods of dollar accumulation, the central bank maintained a decisive stance as a net seller of foreign currency across both fiscal years.Given that the dollars were purchased when the rupee was stronger, bankers estimate RBI to have made at least 10% profit on its sales.
In other words, nearly Rs 50,000 crore of its income could have come from forex intervention in FY26. The impact of dollar sales on RBI's reserves has been partly cushioned by the increase in the value of gold.The closing months of FY26 highlighted this aggressive tactical maneuvering.
In March 2026, the RBI heavily...

Published May 22, 2026.

Quick Summary

Re rises on RBI intervention MUMBAI: RBI stepped up dollar sales in FY26 to manage exchange rate volatility. The central bank recorded a total net

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This development is important because it may impact public opinion, policy decisions, and future developments related to RBI steps up dollar sales to $53 billion to defend rupee in.

Key Takeaways

Re rises on RBI intervention MUMBAI: RBI stepped up dollar sales in FY26 to manage exchange rate volatility.
The central bank recorded a total net sale of $53.1 billion over the course of the fiscal year an increase of $12 billion compared to net sales of $41.1 billion in FY25.
Despite temporary periods of dollar accumulation, the central bank maintained a decisive stance as a net seller of foreign currency across both fiscal years.Given that the dollars were purchased when the rupee was stronger, bankers estimate RBI to have made at least 10% profit on its sales.
In other words, nearly Rs 50,000 crore of its income could have come from forex intervention in FY26.
The impact of dollar sales on RBI's reserves has been partly cushioned by the increase in the value of gold.The closing months of FY26 highlighted this aggressive tactical maneuvering.

📌 Source: Times of India

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