RBI tightens overseas investment rules by Indian companies and individuals

16 Aug 2013 Evaluate

In its latest effort to stem capital outflows and prop up the local currency, Reserve Bank of India has tightened the rules for overseas investment by Indians companies and individuals. Keeping in view the current macroeconomic situation, the central bank reduced the limit for Overseas Direct Investment (ODI) under automatic route for all fresh ODI transactions, from 400% of the net worth of an Indian Party to 100%.

This reduced limit would also apply to remittances made under the ODI scheme by Indian Companies for setting up unincorporated entities outside India in the energy and natural resources sectors. However, RBI has exempted large state-run companies from this restriction.

Further, the RBI also reduced the amount that people living in India can send abroad to $75,000 a year from $200,000. Nevertheless, Resident Individuals however are now allowed to set up Joint Venture (JV)/Wholly Owned Subsidiary (WOS) outside India under the Overseas Direct Investment (ODI) route within the revised Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS limit ).

The apex bank besides sustaining the current restriction on the use of LRS for prohibited transactions, such as, margin trading and lottery, has banned the use of LRS for acquisition of immovable property outside India directly or indirectly.

The latest steps come as earlier measures to prop up the Indian rupee have seen little success. Since mid-July, the central bank has announced a series of measures to curb volatility in the currency market and douse speculation. The government, in last measure also announced steps--such as higher import tax on gold and silver and a plan to sell state-backed bonds abroad--to lower the outflow of foreign currencies and bring in more investment to help support the rupee.

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