India’s Gold Reserves Surpass $100 billion for the First Time — RBI Data
India has officially crossed a historic financial milestone, with its gold reserves surpassing the $100 billion mark for the first time ever. According to the latest data from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), this record achievement comes amid a strong global gold price rally, even as the central bank’s pace of buying slowed significantly in 2025.
Gold Reserves Hit $102.36 Billion in October 2025
As of the week ending October 10, 2025, India’s total gold holdings increased by $3.595 billion, reaching $102.365 billion, the RBI reported on Friday.
However, the country’s overall foreign exchange reserves dipped slightly by $2.18 billion to $697.784 billion during the same period.
Gold’s Share in India’s Forex Reserves at 14.7% — Highest in Nearly 30 Years
The share of gold in India’s total foreign exchange reserves has now climbed to 14.7%, marking the highest level since the 1996–97 fiscal year, according to market analysts.
A decade ago, gold accounted for less than 7% of India’s total reserves. Today, that figure has nearly doubled to 15%, driven by both steady central bank accumulation and soaring global bullion prices.
This means that India achieved the $100 billion gold milestone even though the RBI’s gold purchases slowed sharplythis year.
RBI’s Gold Purchases Slow, But Value Gains Lead the Way
Data from the World Gold Council shows that the RBI bought gold in only four of the first nine months of 2025, compared to regular monthly purchases in 2024.
From January to September 2025, cumulative gold buying stood at just 4 tons, compared with 50 tons during the same period in 2024.
Despite the slowdown, the sharp rise in gold prices globally has significantly boosted the value of India’s holdings.
“The increase in the share of gold within India’s reserves is largely driven by valuation gains from higher global gold prices,” said Kavita Chacko, Research Head for India at the World Gold Council.
Why Gold Prices Have Soared in 2025
Gold prices have surged nearly 65% in 2025, supported by a mix of economic and geopolitical factors.
Global central banks have continued diversifying their reserves away from the U.S. dollar, opting for gold amid rising geopolitical tensions, sanctions pressure, and de-dollarisation efforts.
This global gold-buying trend has provided powerful momentum for bullion, lifting its value to record highs.
India’s Enduring Love for Gold
India remains the world’s second-largest consumer of gold, heavily dependent on imports to meet its massive domestic demand.
Gold holds deep cultural and emotional significance for Indians — symbolizing wealth, purity, and prosperity.
Beyond its cultural value, gold continues to serve as a safe-haven investment and a symbol of status across households and investors alike.
Key Takeaways
- India’s gold reserves hit an all-time high of $102.365 billion in October 2025.
- Gold now accounts for 14.7% of India’s total foreign exchange reserves — the highest since 1997.
- The RBI’s gold purchases slowed sharply to 4 tons in 2025, down from 50 tons in 2024.
- Global gold prices surged 65%, driving up the value of India’s holdings.
- Central banks worldwide continue to buy gold as they diversify away from the U.S. dollar.
About Author
Discover more from BillionBill
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
