Foreign Investors Pull Record $12 Billion from Indian Stocks Amid Iran War
Foreign investors are on track to withdraw a record $12 billion from Indian equities in March, making it the worst monthly selloff ever, as the Iran war disrupts oil supplies and stokes fears of an economic growth slowdown in India.
Key Points
- Record $12 billion foreign investor withdrawal from Indian equities in March 2026
- Worst monthly selloff ever, surpassing previous record of 940 billion rupees in October 2024
- India's net oil imports amount to 3.5% of GDP, making it highly vulnerable to oil price shocks
- Capital outflows expected to intensify due to global risk-off sentiment and growth concerns
Full Details
Foreign investors are poised to withdraw a record $12 billion from Indian equities in March as the Iran war disrupts oil and gas supplies, squeezing the economy and stoking fears of a growth slowdown. With just two trading days left in the month, this March could surpass the previous record of 940 billion rupees in October 2024. India is considered one of the most vulnerable countries to higher oil prices as its net oil imports amount to 3.5% of GDP, according to Hanna Luchnikava-Schorsch, head of Asia-Pacific Economics at S&P Global Market Intelligence. An increase in India's energy bill and slowdown in remittances from the Middle East are projected to widen India's current account deficits and fiscal deficit. Capital outflows are likely to intensify due to global risk-off sentiment and investors' concerns over India's economic growth.
Why It Matters
The massive capital flight highlights India's acute vulnerability to Middle East geopolitical disruptions. This could force the Reserve Bank of India to intervene in currency markets and potentially delay monetary easing, while also prompting the government to accelerate domestic energy production and diversify away from oil imports.
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