The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has temporarily relaxed interest rate restrictions on certain Non-Resident External (NRE) and Foreign Currency Non-Resident [FCNR(B)] deposits to attract more foreign currency inflows. The relaxation of interest rates on certain FCNR(B) deposits and NREs will be applicable till September 30, 2026, as per a statement from the Central Bank.
The removal of restrictions means banks may now increase their NRE and FCNR(B) deposit interest rates based on their funding requirements and market conditions during this period. NRIs planning to open or renew such FCNR(B) or NRE deposits may therefore see higher interest rate offerings from banks in the coming weeks.