India’s Gold Repatriation Explained: Why RBI Moved 100 Tonnes from London

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has quietly brought a part of India’s gold reserves back from London to domestic vaults.

Till last year, most of India’s official gold sat quietly in the Bank of England’s vaults. Not anymore. In May 2024, RBI brought nearly 100 tonnes back to India. Quiet, no big announcement. But a big step.

This marks a shift in the RBI strategy for gold repatriation. Less dependency on foreign storage, more confidence in managing it on home soil.

What Does Repatriation of Gold Mean?

The word “repatriation” simply means bringing something back to one’s own country. In this case, repatriation of gold refers to India transferring its official gold reserves from foreign vaults, like those in the Bank of England, back to India’s own storage facilities.

Read More - Why Is RBI Buying More Gold and Cutting Down US Investments in 2025?

It’s a move that gives the RBI more control, lower storage costs, and direct access to its reserves if needed.

Why Did the RBI Decide to Bring Gold Back Now?

The repatriation of Indian gold assets was first confirmed in a May 2024 NewsOnAir report. The gold was stored in RBI’s vaults in Nagpur and Mumbai. Officials said it helped cut storage costs and gave more control. Seems fair.

By March 2025, RBI’s total gold holdings touched 822.1 tonnes. Out of this, 367.6 tonnes still remained abroad. That means nearly half now rests safely inside the country. That wasn’t the case even two years ago. The shift is slow, but it’s happening.

Where Can You Find India’s Official Gold Data?

Since 2022, RBI has been moving parts of its gold reserves back in batches. By now, around 160 tonnes have returned. Quiet effort, no fuss.

The thinking? Maybe it’s better to keep your own gold, in your own vaults. Maybe the world isn’t as simple anymore. London was once the safest place. Today, things feel a little different.

Here’s where the real data about India’s gold reserves appears:
 

These sources are not flashy, but they hold all the facts.

What Changed in India’s Gold Policy in 2025?

In March 2024, the Government allowed RBI to bring gold from abroad without paying import duty. That made a big difference. Before that, the cost was too high.

Then in April 2025, new rules came in. RBI tightened how banks and NBFCs handle gold loans. It wasn’t just about repatriation. It was also about managing gold inside India better. A Loansjagat report mentioned that small borrowers still had room to access loans, but checks became stricter.

Here’s how gold policy changed across years.
 

That 1991 story, people still remember. But this one feels more planned.

Also Read – Central Bank Gold Statistics: Central Banks Ramp Up Gold Buying in October

A few months ago, the RBI rolled out changes in ATM note circulation. Focus was on ₹100 and ₹200 notes. Like this, it was about control, about keeping things closer to the people. The pattern shows.

Conclusion 

Back in 1991, gold left the country in desperation. In 2025, it’s coming back with quiet strength. Same metal, different reason.

The RBI move to bring gold back tells a story. Not of fear, but of choosing to hold what’s ours. India's gold reserves return plan may not be in headlines daily. But it’s already changing the way we hold value. Simple, quiet, and maybe long overdue.