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Countries Agreed to Trade in Indian National Currency

india trade data

In a global economic landscape marked by constant fluctuations in exchange rates and geopolitical conflicts, countries seek ways to diversify their trading partnerships and reduce their reliance on dominant reserve currencies like the US Dollar and the Euro. Recently, many nations have agreed to trade with India's national currency, the Indian Rupee (INR). This strategic shift signifies a departure from traditional trading norms and promises to reshape international trade dynamics. This article delves into the reasons behind this shift, its benefits, challenges, and the potential future of trading in the Indian currency.

What is the Indian National Currency?

India uses the INR as its official currency. With its roots tracing back to ancient times, the modern Indian Rupee has evolved into a stable and widely recognized currency. Issued and managed by the RBI, the INR is denoted by the symbol ? and subdivided into 100 smaller units called paise.

In 2022, the Indian government announced plans to introduce a digital rupee. The digital rupee is a central digital currency (CBDC) that the Reserve Bank of India will issue. It is expected to be rolled out in the 2023–24 financial year.

Why are Countries Agreeing to Trade in Indian Currency?

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has permitted the opening of Special Vostro Rupee Accounts (SVRAs) so that payments can be made in Indian rupees, and the government informed the Rajya Sabha recently.

Bhagwat Kishanrao Karad, the Union Minister of State for Finance, said in answer to a query from Sushil Kumar Modi of the BJP that SVRAs might be established by partner banks by approaching authorized Dealer (AD) banks in India, who may receive authorization from the RBI after the proper procedure.

Russia has strongly supported trade in local currency for the broader process of "de-dollarization" among the 18 nations named by Mr Karad.

The decision of several countries to trade in the Indian currency is not arbitrary; it is a calculated move prompted by various economic and geopolitical factors.

  • Diversification of Currency Reserves: One key driver behind this shift is the desire of countries to diversify their foreign exchange reserves. Relying heavily on a single dominant currency exposes nations to risks associated with currency fluctuations. By incorporating the Indian Rupee into their reserves, countries aim to mitigate these risks.
  • Reduced Dependence on Major Reserve Currencies: The supremacy of the US Dollar and the Euro in global trade and finance grants the issuing nations significant influence over global economic affairs. Countries embracing the INR seek to reduce their dependence on these major reserve currencies, which can translate into a more balanced and multipolar world economy.
  • Strategic Partnerships: Trading in Indian currency often aligns with countries' strategic partnerships with India. This move demonstrates a deeper commitment to fostering economic ties, which could strengthen diplomatic relations.

Benefits of Trading in Indian Currency

Embracing the Indian currency for international trade offers a range of advantages for both exporting and importing nations:

  • Enhanced Trade Relations: For countries with strong economic ties to India, trading in INR streamlines transactions and fosters stronger trade relations. This is particularly beneficial for those engaged in extensive imports and exports.
  • Reduced Exchange Rate Risk: Trading in Indian currency reduces the need for frequent currency exchanges, mitigating exchange rate risk and promoting more stable trade agreements.
  • Potential Cost Savings: Eliminating the need for multiple currency conversions can lead to cost savings regarding transaction fees and exchange rate differentials.
  • Boosting Indian Exports: Trading partners using the INR may find Indian goods and services more attractive due to simplified trade processes. This can result in increased demand for Indian exports.

List of Nations that Have Agreed to Trade in Indian Currency

As of the latest India trade data, a notable list of countries has committed to conducting trade using the Indian Rupee. Some of these countries include:

  • Iran: Ongoing trade partnerships between India and Iran have led to agreements to trade in INR, circumventing international sanctions.
  • United Arab Emirates (UAE): The UAE, a significant trading partner of India, has expressed interest in conducting a substantial portion of its trade in Indian currency.
  • Russia: India and Russia have explored the possibility of using their national currencies for bilateral trade to strengthen economic cooperation.
  • Nepal and Bhutan: India's neighbouring countries, Nepal and Bhutan, have traditionally shared strong economic and cultural ties. Using INR for trade further cements these relationships.

Benefits for Countries Trading in Indian Currency

Each country's decision to trade in Indian currency comes with its own set of benefits:

  • Iran: For Iran, trading in INR allows it to bypass international sanctions imposed by the United States, thereby ensuring a steady trade flow with its Indian partners.
  • UAE: Conducting trade in Indian currency helps the UAE simplify its trade processes with India, promoting greater economic cooperation between the two nations.
  • Russia: Trading in INR could bolster economic ties between India and Russia while reducing their vulnerability to fluctuations in the US Dollar.
  • Nepal and Bhutan: As smaller economies heavily rely on their larger neighbours, Nepal and Bhutan benefit from streamlined trade transactions with India in their familiar currency.

Challenges of Trading in Indian Currency

While the move towards trading in Indian currency holds significant promise, it is not without challenges:

  • Exchange Rate Volatility: The Indian Rupee, like any other currency, is subject to fluctuations in value. Exchange rate volatility can put countries at risk when engaging in trade agreements denominated in INR.
  • Global Acceptance: While the INR is gaining traction as an international trade currency, it is less universally accepted than the US Dollar or the Euro. Countries are less likely to use the INR for transactions beyond those with their trade partners.
  • Infrastructure and Regulations: Some countries might lack the necessary infrastructure and regulatory frameworks to smoothly conduct trade in Indian currency, potentially causing logistical hurdles.

 A Step Towards a Multipolar Global Economy

As the momentum behind trading in Indian currency continues to build, it holds the potential to reshape the international economic landscape in profound ways. While adopting the Indian Rupee as a primary trade currency is still in its early stages, its increasing acceptance signifies a shift toward a multipolar global economy.

The evolving dynamics of global trade point toward a future where multiple currencies play a pivotal role in international transactions. The dominance of a single currency, such as the US Dollar, has led to concerns about the concentration of economic power and its vulnerability to external shocks. By incorporating the Indian Rupee into the mix, countries are taking a step towards reducing this concentration of power and promoting a more equitable distribution of influence.

The success of the Indian Rupee as a trade currency will depend on several key factors. One of these factors is the continued stability of the Indian economy. A strong and stable economic foundation will inspire confidence among trading partners, further encouraging the use of the INR in international transactions. Additionally, India's commitment to economic reforms, trade liberalization, and infrastructural development will be crucial in establishing the mechanisms for seamless international trade in its currency.

Conclusion:

The increasing number of countries opting to trade in Indian currency reflects a shifting global economic landscape characterised by a desire for greater autonomy, reduced reliance on dominant currencies, and strengthened bilateral ties. While challenges persist, the potential benefits of trading in INR are considerable, ranging from enhanced trade relations to reduced exchange rate risk.

As more countries recognize the advantages of trading in Indian currency, it is plausible that momentum will continue to grow. The success of these initiatives will pivot on collaboration, infrastructure development, and effective risk management strategies. While the Indian Rupee may not replace major reserve currencies shortly, its role as an alternative trade currency is gaining traction and contributing to a more diverse and multipolar global economy.

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  • Seair Exim
  • 18-Aug-2023

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