RBI releases preliminary data on India’s April 2026 BoP trends

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has released preliminary data on India’s Balance of Payments (BoP) for April 2026. The report highlights a positive current account balance of $4.7 billion, compared to a deficit of $4.8 billion in April 2025. However, the capital account showed a net deficit of $11.3 billion.

The current account improvement was driven by higher net services exports, which rose to $18.6 billion, and increased net transfers at $16 billion. Merchandise trade, however, recorded a larger deficit of $27.9 billion due to higher imports ($72.5 billion) compared to exports ($44.6 billion).

On the capital account side, foreign direct investment (FDI) in India saw significant growth, with net inflows rising to $11.4 billion. However, foreign portfolio investment (FPI) recorded a net outflow of $8.7 billion, and variable-rate-repo-government-securities-auction-june-17 banking capital showed a net deficit of $3.7 billion.

The overall balance of payments for April 2026 resulted in a deficit of $6.6 billion, reversing the $0.5 billion surplus seen in April 2025. The RBI has also announced that BoP data for each reference month will now be released by the 15th day or earlier of the second subsequent month.

This data provides critical insights into India’s external economic position, helping policymakers and analysts assess trade, investment, and financial flows in the global context.

Key Points
- India’s current account showed a $4.7 billion surplus in April 2026.
- Merchandise trade deficit widened to $27.9 billion due to higher imports.
- Capital account recorded a net deficit of $11.3 billion.
- FDI inflows in India rose to $11.4 billion in April 2026.
- RBI will release monthly BoP data by the 15th of the second subsequent month.

FAQ

What is India’s current account balance for April 2026?
India’s current account balance for April 2026 showed a surplus of $4.7 billion.

What caused the merchandise trade deficit in April 2026?
The merchandise trade deficit widened to $27.9 billion due to higher imports ($72.5 billion) compared to exports ($44.6 billion).