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Masala Bond: Features & Limitations

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Masala Bonds are a unique category of debt instruments issued outside India but denominated in Indian rupees. These bonds enable Indian entities to raise capital from international investors without exposing themselves to foreign exchange risk. You get to invest in Indian assets, while the issuer gets the funds in rupees, not foreign currency.

Launched as part of a broader effort to internationalise the rupee and provide diversified funding sources, Masala Bonds have gained popularity over the years. Their structure helps Indian issuers tap into global capital markets while shielding themselves from currency fluctuations. The name adds an Indian flavour to a globally accepted financial tool.

What are Masala Bonds?

Masala Bonds are rupee-denominated bonds issued in offshore markets by Indian entities. While the bond is sold to foreign investors, the currency of repayment is Indian rupees, not the investor’s home currency. This structure shifts the currency risk from the Indian issuer to the foreign investor, making them unique among international bonds.

They were introduced by the Reserve Bank of India to encourage foreign investment and reduce India’s reliance on external commercial borrowings in foreign currencies. Masala Bonds can be issued by Indian corporations, non-banking financial companies (NBFCs), or public sector undertakings (PSUs). These bonds are typically listed on global exchanges like the London Stock Exchange, making them accessible to a wide range of international investors.

Some popular Masala Bonds issues

Here’s a list of notable Masala Bond issuances by Indian entities that showcase the growing acceptance and utility of this instrument among global investors:

Issuer

Amount Raised (INR)

Year of Issue

Listing Exchange

HDFC Ltd

Rs. 3,000 crore

2016

London Stock Exchange

NTPC

Rs. 2,000 crore

2016

London Stock Exchange

Indian Railway Finance Corp

Rs. 2,000 crore

2017

London Stock Exchange

Power Finance Corporation

Rs. 2,000 crore

2019

Singapore Stock Exchange

Adani Transmission

Rs. 500 crore

2020

London Stock Exchange

Why is it Called "Masala"?

The term “Masala” brings an Indian identity to these bonds. Much like spices add flavour to Indian cuisine, the name adds a cultural branding to a financial product meant to globalise the rupee. It reflects the country’s effort to take Indian financial instruments to a global platform with a recognisable Indian tag.

It’s inspired by other culturally branded international bonds like Samurai Bonds (Japan) and Dim Sum Bonds (China). Masala, being synonymous with India globally, was chosen to represent the local flavour of the Indian economy in international markets, making the term both symbolic and strategic.

Key Features of Masala Bonds

Masala Bonds offer a blend of global reach and local currency advantage. You, as an investor or issuer, can benefit from their distinct features that promote foreign participation while protecting Indian issuers from currency risk. These bonds are governed by RBI regulations and international listing standards.

Here are the key features:

  1. Rupee-denominated: Issued in Indian currency but listed overseas, shifting currency risk to the investor.

  2. Issued by Indian entities: Corporates, NBFCs, and PSUs can raise funds abroad.

  3. Global investor base: Accessible to foreign investors through recognised international exchanges.

  4. Minimum maturity: 3 years for bonds up to USD 50 million; 5 years for amounts beyond.

  5. Usage of funds: Restricted to infrastructure, refinancing, and other RBI-approved activities.

  6. Interest rate freedom: Subject to RBI caps but generally flexible and attractive.

Advantages of Masala Bonds

Masala Bonds offer several strategic advantages for Indian issuers. By denominating the bond in rupees, the currency risk is passed on to investors. This makes them particularly useful for infrastructure companies and public entities looking to finance large-scale projects without worrying about foreign exchange volatility.

For global investors, they offer an opportunity to diversify into Indian assets and gain exposure to rupee returns. The structure encourages foreign participation without putting pressure on India's external debt burden. You benefit from an internationally compliant, rupee-focused investment tool that supports India's economic infrastructure goals while appealing to global capital markets.

How do Masala Bonds Protect Issuers from Currency Risk?

Masala Bonds shift the currency risk from the issuer to the investor. Since the bond is denominated in Indian rupees, repayment—both principal and interest—is made in INR. Even though foreign investors fund the bond, the exchange rate fluctuation affects them, not the Indian company issuing it.

Component

Conventional Foreign Bond

Masala Bond

Denomination

Foreign currency

Indian rupees

Currency risk borne by

Issuer

Investor

Exchange rate fluctuation

Impacts Indian issuer

Impacts foreign investor

Example

USD bond by Indian firm

INR bond sold to global investor

How can the Money from Masala Bonds be Used?

The proceeds from Masala Bonds can be used for various specified purposes under RBI regulations. These include infrastructure projects, refinancing of existing rupee loans, and other approved activities. This ensures that the capital is directed toward productive use within India.

You cannot use the funds for speculative purposes, land purchase (except for affordable housing), or real estate activities unrelated to infrastructure. RBI’s guidelines ensure that the raised capital benefits India’s core economic areas while maintaining transparency and capital discipline. This makes Masala Bonds an efficient tool for long-term nation-building.

Limitations of Masala Bonds

Despite their benefits, Masala Bonds have a few limitations. The currency risk borne by investors may deter global participation, especially during periods of rupee volatility. This makes it harder for issuers to get favourable rates or attract large-scale investments.

Additionally, Masala Bonds are subject to RBI’s stringent regulations. The end-use restrictions can limit flexibility for the issuers. Their niche structure also means fewer takers in comparison to more mainstream foreign currency bonds, potentially impacting liquidity and pricing.

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