Central Bank Gold Reserves Survey 2026 Highlights Rising Gold Holdings and RBI Reserves

Context: Central Bank Gold Reserves Survey
The World Gold Council 2026 Central Bank Gold Reserves Survey projects continued gold accumulation by central banks. India’s gold holdings rose to 880.52 tonnes in FY26.

World Gold Council

Established

• 1987

Nature

• Global association of gold mining companies.
• It is not a United Nations agency.

Headquarters

• London, United Kingdom

Functions

• Promotes responsible gold use.
• Publishes data on global gold markets.
• Tracks central-bank gold reserves.

Important Reports

• Central Bank Gold Reserves Survey
• Gold Demand Trends
• Gold Outlook

India’s Foreign Exchange Reserves

Forex reserves are external assets held by the Reserve Bank of India to maintain currency stability and meet external payment obligations.

Components of Forex Reserves

Foreign Currency Assets

• Holdings of foreign currencies and foreign government securities.

Gold Reserves

• Gold held by RBI as a reserve asset.

Special Drawing Rights

• International reserve asset created by the International Monetary Fund.

Reserve Tranche Position

• India’s readily withdrawable reserve with the International Monetary Fund.

Composition

Foreign Currency Assets
→ Gold Reserves
→ Special Drawing Rights
→ Reserve Tranche Position

Approximate composition:

• Foreign Currency Assets: 85%
• Gold Reserves: 12%
• Special Drawing Rights: 2–3%
• Reserve Tranche Position: 1%

Why Are Central Banks Buying Gold?

• Diversification away from the U.S. Dollar.
• Hedge against inflation.
• Hedge against currency volatility.
• Protection against geopolitical risks.
• Protection against sanctions risks.
• Safe-haven asset during global uncertainty.