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May 30, 2026
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RBI unlikely to revive FCNR window
Even though the rupee has approached a critical depreciation threshold, India is unlikely to reopen a special Foreign Currency Non-Resident (Bank) [FCNR(B)] deposit window similar to the one introduced during the 2013 “taper tantrum”, as the country’s forex reserves remain strong and US dollar interest rates are now at record highs.
During the 2013 “taper tantrum”, the US Federal Reserve’s benchmark interest rate was near 0.25%, as the Fed was still following an ultra-loose post-global financial crisis monetary policy. In contrast, the federal funds rate is currently around 4%, following an aggressive tightening cycle to combat inflation. US bond yields are also hovering around record highs of nearly 5%.
Costly NRI deposits
FCNR(B) deposit rates offered by public sector banks currently range between 5.5% and 6%. Any move to mobilise dollar deposits from NRIs would therefore be extremely costly for Indian banks and would likely require substantial subsidisation by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
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