Press release 🌐 Macro 🌍 India

India Inward FDI Stock Rises 8.5% to ₹70.7 Trillion in 2026 Census

India's inward FDI stock grew 8.5% to ₹70.7 trillion by March 2026, with manufacturing attracting half of all foreign equity as the U.S., Mauritius, and Singapore lead as top investment sources.

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The Reserve Bank published provisional annual census data on foreign liabilities and assets as of end-March 2026, showing inward FDI stock of ₹70,71,945 crore (up 8.5%) and other investment liabilities up 11.9% y-o-y. This is routine statistical reporting with no policy change, so no material direction for the rupee is implied.

🎯 Key Takeaways

  • Inward FDI stock grew 8.5% to ₹70.7 trillion, while other investment liabilities rose 11.9%.
  • Manufacturing dominates with a 50.1% share of total outstanding FDI equity.
  • The U.S. is the largest source of FDI (16.5%), followed by Mauritius (14.5%) and Singapore (13.7%).
  • Unlisted entities hold 96.6% of total FDI debt, highlighting the reliance on private capital structures.

📝 Executive Summary

The Reserve Bank of India reported that inward foreign direct investment (FDI) stock reached ₹70,71,945 crore as of March 2026, marking an 8.5% year-on-year increase. Manufacturing remains the dominant sector, accounting for over 50% of total outstanding FDI equity, while the U.S. maintains its position as the primary source of foreign capital.

❓ FAQ

What does the RBI's annual FLA census measure?

The census captures comprehensive data on cross-border liabilities and assets of Indian entities, including direct investment, portfolio investment, trade credits, and loans.

Why does the FLA census differ from Balance of Payments (BoP) data?

FLA census data includes valuation changes resulting from price fluctuations and exchange rate movements, which are not captured in standard BoP flow statistics.