Economy

Nearly a year after the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced the withdrawal of Rs 2,000 denomination notes, around Rs 5,817 crore worth of these high-value bills remain in circulation. While most of the currency has returned to the banking system, a small fraction continues to be held by individuals or entities. The central bank confirmed that exchange and deposit options for the withdrawn notes remain available at its regional offices.

Mumbai’s property market witnessed a 10% decline in property registrations in October compared with the same period last year, reflecting a phase of market stabilization following months of strong activity. Industry analysts attribute the moderation to rising property prices, higher interest rates, and a temporary slowdown in fresh inventory launches. Despite the dip, overall revenue collection from stamp duty remained healthy, suggesting continued demand for premium and mid-segment homes.

India’s Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman embarked on a two-day official visit to Bhutan, reaffirming New Delhi’s enduring commitment to its Himalayan neighbor through enhanced economic cooperation and strategic collaboration. The visit focused on bilateral development partnerships, energy cooperation, and financial connectivity, underscoring India’s pivotal role in Bhutan’s economic modernization.

In a pivotal diplomatic engagement, former U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping met to discuss the trajectory of US-China relations, addressing issues ranging from trade imbalances and technology rivalry to regional security and global economic stability. The talks, held in a cautiously optimistic atmosphere, signaled a potential thaw after years of escalating tensions that reshaped global trade dynamics.

India is set to expand crude oil imports from key suppliers in the Middle East and the United States to strengthen its energy security amid global market volatility. The move aims to diversify supply sources, mitigate price risks, and meet rising domestic energy demand fueled by industrial growth and transportation needs. Officials indicate that increased imports will be strategically balanced between long-term contracts and spot market purchases, optimizing costs and supply stability.

India and the United States are on the verge of finalizing a landmark trade agreement, aimed at enhancing bilateral commerce, reducing tariffs, and facilitating investment flows. Key sectors under negotiation include technology, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture, with both sides emphasizing reciprocal market access and regulatory alignment. The deal is expected to boost exports, create jobs, and strengthen strategic economic partnerships amid global supply chain realignments.

India’s foreign exchange reserves climbed to an all-time high of USD 702.28 billion as of mid-October 2025, reflecting the country’s robust external position and strong capital inflows. The rise was supported by healthy foreign investment, steady export earnings, and stable remittance inflows. This milestone reinforces India’s financial resilience amid global economic uncertainty and geopolitical tensions.

India is intensifying its push to expand rice exports to 26 international markets, as part of a strategic initiative led by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA). The move aims to diversify export destinations, strengthen trade relationships, and enhance the country’s dominance in global rice markets. Leveraging its production capacity and competitive pricing, India seeks to tap into new regions across Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and Latin America.

UK companies are intensifying their investment and operational presence in India following the announcement of the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA), according to a recent industry report. The pact is expected to streamline tariffs, enhance market access, and strengthen bilateral trade ties, prompting British firms to scale up manufacturing, technology, and service operations in India. Sectors such as pharmaceuticals, financial services, IT, and renewable energy are witnessing heightened interest.

India has witnessed a substantial foreign investment inflow of Rs. 50,000 crore, reflecting renewed global confidence in its economic growth prospects. The inflow, driven by private equity, portfolio investments, and strategic acquisitions, underscores investor optimism in sectors such as technology, infrastructure, renewable energy, and financial services. Analysts highlight that policy reforms, regulatory clarity, and stable macroeconomic indicators have enhanced India’s attractiveness for global capital.