In which year was the first Masala Bond issued in India?
- Answer Field
-
In which year was the first Masala Bond issued in India?
BAJAJ BROKING
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.
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.
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 |
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.
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:
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.
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 |
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.
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.
Share this article:
No result found
In which year was the first Masala Bond issued in India?
They’re named “Masala” to reflect Indian culture, similar to Japan’s Samurai Bonds. The name adds identity and flavour to this rupee-denominated global financial instrument.
The key objective is to help Indian entities raise capital overseas in Indian rupees, while reducing exposure to foreign exchange risk and supporting rupee internationalisation.
The minimum maturity is 3 years for issues up to USD 50 million and 5 years for higher amounts, as per RBI guidelines.
Masala Bonds can be impacted by rupee volatility, investor hesitancy due to currency risk, end-use restrictions, and limited global liquidity compared to traditional foreign bonds.
The proceeds can be used for infrastructure, refinancing rupee loans, and other RBI-approved sectors. They can’t be used for real estate (non-infrastructure) or speculative activities.
HDFC Ltd was the first Indian corporate to issue Masala Bonds in 2016, raising Rs. 3,000 crore through the London Stock Exchange.
Disclaimer :
The information on this website is provided on "AS IS" basis. Bajaj Broking (BFSL) does not warrant the accuracy of the information given herein, either expressly or impliedly, for any particular purpose and expressly disclaims any warranties of merchantability or suitability for any particular purpose. While BFSL strives to ensure accuracy, it does not guarantee the completeness, reliability, or timeliness of the information. Users are advised to independently verify details and stay updated with any changes.
The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and is subject to change without prior notice. BFSL shall not be responsible for any consequences arising from reliance on the information provided herein and shall not be held responsible for all or any actions that may subsequently result in any loss, damage and or liability. Interest rates, fees, and charges etc., are revised from time to time, for the latest details please refer to our Pricing page.
Neither the information, nor any opinion contained in this website constitutes a solicitation or offer by BFSL or its affiliates to buy or sell any securities, futures, options or other financial instruments or provide any investment advice or service.
BFSL is acting as distributor for non-broking products/ services such as IPO, Mutual Fund, Insurance, PMS, and NPS. These are not Exchange Traded Products. For more details on risk factors, terms and conditions please read the sales brochure carefully before investing.
Investments in the securities market are subject to market risk, read all related documents carefully before investing. This content is for educational purposes only. Securities quoted are exemplary and not recommendatory.
For more disclaimer, check here : https://www.bajajbroking.in/disclaimer
Level up your stock market experience: Download the Bajaj Broking App for effortless investing and trading