Answer: The settlement through Indian Rupees (INR) is an additional arrangement to the existing system that uses freely convertible currencies and will work as a complimentary system. This will reduce dependence on hard (freely convertible) currency.

Answer: Yes, for opening of Special Rupee Vostro Account, prior approval of RBI would be required. The bank willing to open Special Rupee Vostro Account for bank of the partner country should have a good level of business resilience and financial health. Second, they need to have experience in facilitating trade/investment transactions and capability to provide other financial services. Third, AD banks should have good correspondent relationships with banks in partner countries.

Answer: The term correspondent banking relationship acts as an intermediary or agent, facilitating wire transfers, conducting business transactions, accepting deposits and gathering documents on behalf of another bank. Correspondent banks are most likely to be used by domestic banks to service transactions that either originate or are completed in foreign countries. Domestic banks also use correspondent banks to gain access to foreign financial markets and to serve international clients without having to open branches abroad.

Answer: This is essentially a bank-to-bank arrangement similar to correspondent banking arrangement.

Answer: Yes, provided Indian branch of foreign bank is an AD bank. This is subject to approval of Reserve Bank as in the case of other such accounts.

Answer: Yes

Answer: No. AD bank in India can open multiple Special Rupee Vostro Accounts for different banks from the same country.

Answer: Exchange rate between the currencies of the two trading partner countries will be market determined.

Answer: The balance in Special Rupee Vostro Account (SRVA) can be repatriated in freely convertible currency and/or currency of the beneficiary trading partner country depending on underlying transaction i.e. for which the account was credited. For example, for import payments through SRVA like any Rupee Vostro account the fund can be remitted to overseas exporter either in freely convertible currency or in domestic currency of the overseas exporter.

Answer: Yes, the income from INR balance can be repatriated subject to applicable regulatory guidelines and tax provisions.