Central bank data showed the increase was primarily driven by a surge in international travel spending, which accounted for more than half of the total remittances. Spending on overseas travel alone recorded an 11% annual growth, reaching $1.27 billion.
Indians spent $145 million (Rs 1,247 crore) on outbound travel in April 2025 alone.
Investment in foreign equity and debt instruments witnessed the sharpest growth, more than doubling to $203 million (Rs 1,746 crore) in April 2025, up from $98 million (Rs 843 crore) in the same month a year earlier. However, this marked a decline of nearly 50% compared to March 2025, when remittances under this category had peaked at $306 million (Rs 2,631 crore).
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Expenditure on overseas education fell by nearly 22% year-on-year to $163 million (Rs 1,401 crore) in April 2025, compared to $208 million (Rs 1,788 crore) in April 2024.
Remittances towards maintenance of relatives remained relatively stable, registering a slight increase to $398 million (Rs 3,423 crore) from $391 million (Rs 3,362 crore) a year earlier.
Funds sent as gifts also declined in April, dropping to $291 million (Rs 2,502 crore) from $311 million (Rs 2,674 crore) during the same period last year.
The LRS, introduced by the Reserve Bank of India, permits resident individuals to remit funds abroad for specific current and capital account transactions, subject to an annual limit. As of 2025, the maximum remittance allowed under the scheme is $250,000 (approximately Rs 2.15 crore) per individual per financial year.
