INR

ING’s Deepali Bhargava argues that India’s fuel subsidies and diversified energy sourcing have contained the inflation and growth impact of higher oil prices, but shifted pressure onto the Indian Rupee (INR). She sees weak capital inflows as the key drag, while improved Real Effective Exchange Rate (REER) metrics and Reserve Bank of India (RBI) reserves should help USD/INR stabilise later in 2026.

Rupee strain as flows stay weak

“India’s fuel subsidies are cushioning inflation for now, and diversified energy sourcing has eased supply pressures. But the strain has shifted to the rupee. Its recent slide reflects deeper structural weaknesses, especially chronically soft capital inflows. Unless those inflows recover, the rupee’s vulnerability is likely to persist”

“The biggest impact of higher global oil prices has been on the currency. This shift is less about an exceptionally large current account deficit and more about flows. While India’s external position is softening, it is far from crisis territory. We expect the current account deficit to widen to around 2.1% of GDP in 2026, up from around 0.5% in 2025, largely due to higher oil prices. Even with Brent averaging $104/bbl in 3Q, our CAD [Current Account Deficit] forecast of around 2% of GDP remains well below levels seen during past stress episodes such as the taper tantrum in 2013, where the current account deficit averaged over 4% of GDP. Yet, the extent of INR depreciation has been unusually large, reflecting weak capital inflows rather than current account imbalances.”

“Since then, however, the adjustment has been swift. The CPI inflation rate has nearly halved to an average 2.5%. The REER has declined by over 12%, bringing it back to levels last seen around 2014. On a broader valuation lens, the INR now sits near the bottom of its six-year REER range, indicating that much of the earlier overvaluation has been unwound.”

“Overall, while near-term pressures persist, the adjustment is already well underway. We expect USD/INR to end the year at 95.50, with risks skewed more towards gradual stabilisation than a disorderly weakening.”

The Indian rupee strengthened to around 95.4 per dollar, extending its rally for another session to a two-week high as sentiment improved on easing crude oil prices and supportive remarks from the Reserve Bank of India. Support for the rupee increased after Brent crude prices fell below $100 per barrel for the first time in over two weeks amid optimism that the US and Iran are moving closer to a peace agreement. Sentiment was further boosted after Sanjay Malhotra stated that the RBI would do “whatever is required” to ensure orderly forex market movements, adding that the rupee appears undervalued. He also said the central bank has around $700 billion in reserves to curb volatility. However, gains in the rupee were partly limited by persistent inflation concerns after India’s state-owned fuel retailers raised petrol and diesel prices for the fourth time in May to offset losses stemming from higher costs linked to the Iran conflict.

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Sanjay Malhotra said that the Indian Rupee (INR) may now be undervalued following its recent depreciation, Reuters reported on Monday.

Malhotra further stated that the Indian central bank does not target any specific level for the currency, emphasizing that the RBI stands ready to intervene if speculative pressures build up.

RBI Governor said the central bank has enough tools in its kit, including nearly $700 billion in reserves to quell any undue speculative movement. He added that the RBI’s primary mandate is to target inflation. “If the evolving inflation trajectory provides policy space, we support growth,” said Malhotra.

Market reaction 

At the time of writing, the US Dollar Index (DXY) is trading 0.21% lower on the day at 95.45.

The Indian rupee hovered near 96.4 per dollar, pausing losses after briefly crossing the 97-per-dollar mark for the first time. Softer oil prices offered temporary relief as Brent crude fell more than 5% to near $105 per barrel, while the US 10-year Treasury yield slipped below 4.60%, improving market sentiment. The rupee had remained under pressure, falling nearly 2.5% over nine sessions amid strong dollar demand, rising US yields, and heavy foreign fund outflows. Meanwhile, the central bank has already announced a $5 billion dollar-rupee swap auction scheduled for May 26. The Reserve Bank of India is also reportedly considering measures to stabilize the rupee, including a possible rate hike, additional swap auctions, and schemes to attract foreign currency inflows from non-resident Indians, which officials estimate could bring in up to $50 billion. Markets are now focused on the RBI’s June 3–5 policy meeting for signals on further support measures.

The Indian rupee hovered near 96.1 per dollar, after touching successive record lows in recent sessions, weighed down by rising US Treasury yields, surging crude oil prices, and a broader risk-off mood in global markets. Pressure on emerging-market currencies intensified as the benchmark 10-year US Treasury yield climbed to 4.6250%, while Brent crude rose nearly 2% to $111.34 per barrel amid stalled US–Iran diplomatic talks. Investor sentiment was further shaken by reports of an attack on a nuclear facility in the UAE and expectations that US President Trump could discuss military options on Iran. Traders expect the rupee to remain under pressure, with the RBI focused on curbing volatility rather than defending a specific exchange-rate level. Separately, investors assessed India’s unemployment rate rising to 5.2% in April 2026 from 5.1%, the highest since October, as elevated energy prices and disruptions in Persian Gulf shipping routes reduced purchasing power.

The Indian rupee hovered near 94.9 per dollar, steadying near record levels as markets continued to digest persistent external pressures. Oil prices held steady after an initial dip, with traders weighing the effectiveness of a US initiative aimed at improving safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. Brent crude stayed above $108 a barrel after early volatility, while West Texas Intermediate hovered near $102, keeping energy costs elevated. Sentiment was also shaped by renewed security concerns after a tanker was struck by projectiles near the UAE coast. The rupee had earlier weakened to a record 95.33 before stabilising, with traders noting that central bank intervention may be helping to curb sharper swings. Looking ahead, currency and bond markets are expected to remain sensitive to oil, geopolitics, and upcoming economic data that could shape global growth expectations.