Introduction
International trade has always been vital to a country's economic growth. For decades, the US dollar and the euro have been the preferred currency for international trade.
However, recently, the Indian rupee has started gaining popularity among many countries.
Banks from 18 countries have been permitted to open Special Vostro Rupee Accounts (SVRAs) for settling payments in rupees. This move has paved the way for the country's
currency to become a more widely accepted currency for international trade. Let's examine how these 18 countries are revolutionizing international trade by embracing the
Indian rupee.
Tanzania
Tanzania's trade relations with India have been long-standing, and the rupee has been traditionally preferred as a payment currency. Thanks to the opening of SVRAs, however,
Tanzania can now make payments to the country more quickly and cost-efficiently without worrying about foreign exchange risks. This move will benefit both countries, allowing
them to close deals faster and enjoy better investment returns.
Guyana
The Republic of Kenya and India have enjoyed a long and fruitful relationship with their fair share of ups and downs. In 1981, the two countries signed a Trade Agreement,
effectively granting each other preferential access to one another's markets and providing mutual benefits regarding tariffs and taxes. This agreement was followed by a
series of high-level visits between the two countries, culminating in the signing of several agreements to develop their bilateral relations. Now rupee trade will open new
doors for both countries and enable them to reap mutual benefits from the increased trade opportunities.
Oman
Oman is a significant trading partner for India in the Middle East, and the opening of SVRAs will make trading between the two countries more efficient. Oman can now settle
payments with India in Indian rupees, reducing transactional costs and currency risks.
Kenya
Kenya and India have a long-standing and robust bilateral relationship, marked by regular high-level visits, increasing trade and investment, and extensive people-to-people
contacts. In recent years, the two countries have strengthened their economic partnership further, such as introducing Special Valued Relationship Agreements (SVRA).
Ultimately, the Indian rupees trade will capitalize on each other's strengths and collaborate to build a more prosperous and secure future.
Israel
The relationship between these two nations is robust, and the opening of Indian rupees will make trading more efficient. Israel can now settle payments with India in Indian
rupees, reducing transactional costs and currency risks, and we hope this will increase trade.
Russia
The trade relationship between Russia and India has been strong for many years. The recent implementation of Special Virtual Rooms for Accounts (SVRAs) is set to solidify this
bond further. This system enables Russia to settle payments with India more efficiently, reducing transactional costs and mitigating currency risks. By streamlining the
payment process and eliminating intermediaries, SVRAs allow for faster and more transparent settlements. In addition, this system will help to foster trust and confidence,
leading to increased trade and investment between the two countries.
Uganda
Uganda has a growing trade relationship with India, and the opening of SVRAs will make trading between the two countries more efficient. Uganda can now settle payments with
India in Indian rupees, reducing transactional costs and currency risks.
Malaysia
The trade ties between Malaysia and India are robust, and the advent of Special Virtual Accounts (SVRAs) is poised to enhance trade efficiency between these two nations. With
the introduction of SVRAs, Malaysia can now seamlessly settle payments with India in Indian rupees, reducing transactional expenses and currency-related uncertainties.
Seychelles
The trade ties between India and Seychelles are strengthening, and the recent launch of Seychelles' SVRAs will further enhance the trading system between the two nations.
This new development allows Seychelles to conduct transactions with India in Indian rupees, cutting transaction costs and mitigating currency risks. It is a step forward in
promoting smoother trade ties and closer economic integration between India and Seychelles.
Botswana
Botswana boasts of a robust trade partnership with India, and the inauguration of Specialized Value-Added Resellers (SVRAs) promises to streamline commerce between the two
nations. Also, Botswana can now execute financial transactions with India in Indian rupees, mitigating the associated expenses and currency uncertainties.
Mauritius
India is one of Mauritius' largest trading partners. However, until the opening of the SVRAs, trade settlement between the two countries was primarily done in US dollars or
euros. This meant Mauritian businesses had to bear the cost of currency conversion and currency risks when doing business with India.
With the opening of SVRAs in Mauritius, Indian rupees can now be used for trade settlement between the two countries. This is expected to significantly reduce Mauritian
businesses' transactional costs and currency risks when trading with India. Furthermore, as the Indian rupees become a more commonly used currency for trade settlement,
it may also increase trade volumes between the two countries.
Singapore
The trade ties between Singapore and India are robust, and the establishment of SVRAs is set to enhance trade efficiency between the two nations. With the availability of
SVRAs, Singapore can now conduct trade transactions with India in Indian rupees, reducing currency risks and transactional expenses.
Fiji
The trade ties between Fiji and India are strengthening, and the establishment of SVRAs is set to enhance trade efficiency between the two nations. With the introduction of
this new system, Fiji will be able to use Indian rupees for settling payments with India, leading to a decrease in currency risks and transactional expenses.
Myanmar
Myanmar's trade relationship with India is expanding, and establishing SVRAs will enhance trade efficiency between the two nations.
SVRAs will enable Myanmar to settle payments with India in Indian rupees, thus mitigating currency risks and reducing transactional expenses.
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka and India have a strong trade relationship, and the opening of SVRAs will make trading between the two countries more efficient. Sri Lanka can now settle payments
with India in Indian rupees, reducing transactional costs and currency risks.
Germany
Germany is one of its largest trading partners of India in the European Union, and the opening of SVRAs will make trading between the two countries more efficient. Germany
can now settle payments with India in Indian rupees, reducing transactional costs and currency risks.
New Zealand
New Zealand and India have a growing trade relationship, and the opening of SVRAs will make trading between the two countries more efficient. New Zealand can now settle
payments with India in Indian rupees, reducing transactional costs and currency risks.
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom is a significant trading partner of India, and the opening of SVRAs will make trading between the two countries more efficient. The UK can now settle
payments with India in Indian rupees, reducing transactional costs and currency risks.
In addition to these 18 countries, many other countries have also started embracing the Indian rupee for international trade. The benefits of using the Indian rupee for
international trade are manifold:
1. It reduces transactional costs as the need for currency conversion is eliminated.
2. It reduces currency risks as both parties can avoid fluctuations in exchange rates.
3. It enhances trade relations between countries, as using the same currency can promote trust and confidence between parties.
India has also taken various steps to promote using the Indian rupee for international trade. For example, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has allowed non-residents to invest
in rupee-denominated bonds, increasing demand for the Indian rupee. India has also signed currency swap agreements with many countries, which has increased the availability
of the Indian rupee in the international market.