The Indian government has sharply increased the import duty on gold and silver from 6% to 15% in a major move aimed at reducing imports and protecting the Indian rupee. The revised structure includes a 10% basic customs duty along with a 5% Agriculture Infrastructure and Development Cess (AIDC).
The decision comes at a time when India’s foreign exchange reserves are under pressure due to rising crude oil prices and heavy imports of precious metals. Since India imports most of its gold requirement, higher imports directly impact the country’s trade deficit and currency stability.
According to reports, gold imports in India touched nearly $72 billion in FY26, while investment demand for gold ETFs also surged significantly amid weak equity market returns. The government believes higher duties may reduce unnecessary imports and help stabilize the economy.
However, industry experts have warned that the steep rise in import duty could impact jewellery demand and may also increase gold smuggling activities in the grey market.
Do you think increasing gold import duty will really help India’s economy, or will it only make gold more expensive for common people?
Indian government ne gold aur silver ki import duty ko 6% se badha kar seedha 15% kar diya hai. Naye structure mein 10% basic customs duty aur 5% Agriculture Infrastructure and Development Cess (AIDC) shamil hai.
Yeh decision desh ke foreign exchange reserves par badhte pressure aur rupee ko support karne ke liye liya gaya hai. India apni gold demand ka zyada hissa import karta hai, jis wajah se imports badhne par trade deficit aur currency pressure dono badhte hain.
Reports ke mutabik FY26 mein India ka gold import bill lagbhag $72 billion tak pahunch gaya tha. Saath hi, stock market mein weak returns ke chalte investors ka interest gold ETFs mein bhi kaafi badha hai. Government ka maanna hai ki higher duty se unnecessary imports kam honge aur economy ko support milega.
Lekin bullion industry experts ka kehna hai ki itni zyada duty badhne se jewellery demand kam ho sakti hai aur illegal gold smuggling dobara badh sakti hai.
Aapke hisaab se gold import duty badhana economy ke liye sahi decision hai ya isse aam logon par extra burden padega?