RBI's Secret Mission: India Repatriates 102 Tonnes of Gold from the UK on Dhanteras

As geopolitical tensions rise, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) reinforces domestic gold reserves to secure assets from potential overseas risks.

A Strategic Dhanteras Move by RBI

On Dhanteras, RBI transports 102 tonnes of gold to Indian soil from the Bank of England.

In a move mirroring the tradition of Indian households acquiring gold on Dhanteras, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) quietly carried out a major gold transfer on the auspicious day. With enhanced security measures and special flights, the RBI repatriated 102 tonnes of gold from the Bank of England’s secure vaults in London to facilities within India. The operation was shrouded in secrecy, part of a broader strategy by India’s central bank to bring more of its gold holdings closer to home.

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By the end of September 2024, RBI’s total gold reserves reached 855 tonnes, with over half, or 510.5 tonnes, now held domestically. This shift reflects the government’s response to global uncertainties and a preference for storing valuable assets on Indian soil.

Why RBI Is Bringing Gold Back Home

Since September 2022, the RBI has steadily transferred 214 tonnes of gold to India, aligning with a wider national security strategy that prioritizes domestic protection of assets amid rising geopolitical instability. Many officials view the move as essential for safeguarding reserves against potential international risks, such as overseas asset freezes or geopolitical sanctions. Recent events, including the freezing of Russian foreign assets by Western nations, have heightened concerns about the security of foreign-held assets.

The Bank of England vault, where a portion of India’s gold reserves was previously stored.

This transfer represents the largest domestic return of gold to India since the early 1990s. Back then, amid a balance of payments crisis, the Indian government was forced to pledge a significant portion of its gold to secure a $405 million loan from the Bank of England. Today, the RBI’s decision to repatriate gold is driven by proactive risk management rather than emergency financial constraints.

The Advantages of Overseas Gold Holdings

Despite the recent repatriations, 324 tonnes of RBI’s gold reserves remain overseas, primarily stored in the vaults of the Bank of England and the Bank for International Settlements (BIS) in the UK. These reserves are strategically placed in what’s known as the “bullion warehouse” — a secure vault in London that has held global central banks’ gold since 1697 and offers access to London’s bullion market. London’s highly liquid market allows for easy trading and provides a swift pathway for transactions, swaps, and other reserve management needs.

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According to RBI, holding some of India’s gold in London provides critical flexibility, as international reserves can be quickly leveraged for trades and economic maneuvers. Additionally, it simplifies the logistics for the RBI, which often purchases gold from international markets. However, given recent geopolitical shifts, holding substantial reserves domestically has become a priority.

RBI’s Increasing Focus on Gold Reserves

This new wave of repatriation also highlights the RBI’s commitment to boosting the proportion of gold in India’s foreign exchange reserves. From March to September 2024, the percentage of gold in these reserves rose from 8.1% to 9.3%, reflecting RBI’s recognition of gold as a hedge against currency volatility, inflation, and economic downturns.

Gold’s rise in RBI’s reserves reflects its role as a safeguard against economic uncertainties.

As the price of gold continues to climb, currently around ₹78,745 per 10 grams in Mumbai, the RBI’s gold holdings also help stabilize the domestic market. A strong domestic reserve provides a foundation to support growing gold-backed investments and exchange-traded funds, benefiting both the economy and individual investors.

Looking Ahead: Future Plans for India’s Gold Reserves

Though further large shipments are unlikely this year, RBI and the Indian government have left the door open for additional domestic storage. The preference for secure domestic gold storage indicates a balanced approach to reserve management, blending the liquidity advantages of overseas holdings with the security of having assets closer to home.

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With 510.5 tonnes of gold now on Indian soil, RBI’s recent actions showcase a commitment to strengthening the country’s financial resilience, protecting against potential international disruptions, and reinforcing the economic stability that gold offers in uncertain times.