NBFCs' foreign lenders face repayment risks as US dollar becomes stronger

Covid has caused disruption in the domestic and global markets, enhancing the risk of default from the rise in cost of repayments due to upheavals in the currency markets

Foreign lenders having exposure to Indian finance companies and housing finance firms face the challenge of loan servicing of some of these firms as the dollar has become stronger against the rupee.

Also, lack of clarity on moratorium on payment for money raised through external commercial borrowings (ECBs) has created uncertainty.

While benchmark interest rates all over the world have declined, the dollar has strengthened against various currencies, including the rupee. 

This would mean the borrowers of foreign banks will have to cough up more rupees to buy one dollar, increasing the debt servicing cost.

Taking benefit of low interest rates, Indian finance and