India Keeps Borrowings In Check As Fiscal Discipline Pays Off: SBI Report
India’s market borrowing strategy has remained stable and well-managed in recent years, even as the country’s financial obligations grow with its expanding economy. A recent report by the State Bank of India (SBI) underscores that net borrowings have been effectively contained, reflecting the government’s commitment to fiscal prudence under the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act.
Highlighting this fiscal approach, the report stated, “G sec borrowing trend… Keeping the borrowings in check.”
According to the data, the central government has budgeted gross market borrowing through government securities (G-secs) at Rs 14.8 lakh crore for FY26, with net borrowing targeted at Rs 11.5 lakh crore. As of now, Rs 3.2 lakh crore has been mobilised through gross borrowing, and Rs 2.4 lakh crore through net borrowing in the current fiscal year.
Borrowing Trends Show Consistency
Comparative figures indicate a consistent borrowing trend: FY25 witnessed gross borrowing at Rs 14 lakh crore and net borrowing at Rs 10.7 lakh crore. In FY24, gross borrowing was higher at Rs 15.4 lakh crore, while net borrowing remained unchanged at Rs 10.7 lakh crore. This data suggests that while gross figures fluctuate to accommodate fiscal needs, net borrowing has remained relatively stable.
Debt Management Tools In Action
The SBI report also notes that the outstanding government debt via G-secs has grown steadily, from Rs 41.6 lakh crore in FY15 to Rs 114.5 lakh crore so far in FY26. However, this increase has been met with deliberate debt management strategies aimed at sustainability.
To optimise its debt portfolio, the government is employing instruments like debt switches and buybacks. For FY26, Rs 2.5 lakh crore has been earmarked for switch borrowings, with Rs 0.5 lakh crore already realised through buybacks. Historically, switch operations have ranged between Rs 0.3 lakh crore and Rs 2 lakh crore, depending on the fiscal approach.
Maintaining Long-Term Sustainability
Debt switches allow the government to exchange older securities with new ones, easing redemption pressure. Similarly, buybacks help in liquidity management and debt servicing. While short-term borrowings provide flexibility, the report cautioned about the potential medium-term strain due to increased redemption obligations.
The report added, “While issuing more short-term papers may support immediate funding needs for a fast-growing economy, it could lead to higher redemption pressure in the medium term.”
India’s debt-to-GDP ratio is projected to decline from 57.1 per cent in FY25 to 56.1 per cent in FY26, indicating that fiscal consolidation remains on track. With borrowing trends showing restraint and strategic tools being employed effectively, the overall debt outlook appears disciplined and sustainable.
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