Equity investments and travel push LRS remittances up in May
Outward remittances under the Reserve Bank of India's Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS) rose to $2.396 billion in May 2026, from $2.286 billion in April, driven by increased investments in equity and debt instruments and higher spending on leisure travel.
Data released by the RBI shows that resident individuals stepped up overseas investments, with equity and debt outflows climbing 52% to $363.64 million in May, compared to $238.63 million in April. This recovery follows a softer performance in the previous month.
Spending on leisure and other travel also contributed to the monthly increase, although categories such as gifts, maintenance of close relatives, and studies abroad saw moderation.
The Liberalised Remittance Scheme allows Indian residents to remit up to $250,000 per financial year for current or capital account transactions. The May figures indicate a renewed appetite for overseas spending among individuals, even as some traditional categories witnessed a slowdown.
