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Masala Bonds: India’s Flavoursome Entry into Global Markets

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 INTRODUCTION:

Masala bonds are bonds issued by Indian companies and valued in rupees that are issued outside of India. They function similarly to conventional bonds, but can only be issued outside of India.

Masala Bonds are a financial instrument that allows Indian entities to raise funds from foreign markets in their home currency, the Indian rupee. These bonds serve as a gateway for investors looking to gain exposure to Indian assets, helping issuers diversify their funding sources.

MASALA BONDS:

Masala Bonds, introduced in India by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) in 2014, are rupee-denominated bonds issued by Indian entities operating outside of India. These debt instruments allow foreign investors to raise funds in the local currency. Masala bonds can be issued by both the government and private entities. These bonds can be subscribed to by investors outside India who want to invest in Indian assets. Masala Bonds’ primary goals are to fund infrastructure projects, promote internal growth through borrowing, and internationalise the Indian rupee.

Recognising masala bonds as rupee-denominated bonds that enable Indian businesses to obtain funds in foreign currencies is essential to understanding their meaning. This reduces currency risk for issuers and investors globally. The bonds have a notable variation in maturity periods: three years for amounts up to $50 million in a fiscal year, and five years for amounts greater.

WHY IN NEWS:

The Kerala High Court ordered the former Finance Minister, Dr. Thomas Isaac, and the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB) to comply with the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) summons in relation to the masala bonds case.

LEGAL BACKING OF MASALA BONDS:

Section 2(30) of the Companies Act of 2013 (the “Act”) designates Masala Bonds as debt securities. Consequently, Masala Bonds will be subject to the same rules governing the issuance of debt securities.

Listed companies in India are also required to issue debt securities in accordance with the SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015. In a circular dated August 4, 2016, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) clarified that foreign investment in Masala Bonds will not be treated as an investment by Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) and will not be subject to the amended SEBI (Foreign Portfolio Investors) Regulations, 2014, further streamlining the regime. The Reserve Bank of India oversees Masala Bonds.

CHARECTERSTICS OF MASALA BONDS:

  1. Masala Bonds, issued in INR, provide investors with direct access to India’s growth story.
  2. Masala Bonds can be subscribed to by investors outside India, including those from FATF member countries.
  3. The investor’s country’s securities regulators must be IOSCO members.
  4. Masala Bonds can be used to refinance rupee loans and non-convertible debentures, develop integrated townships and affordable housing projects, and provide corporate working capital.
  5. The funds cannot be used for real estate activities excluding integrated townships and affordable housing, prohibited by Foreign Direct Investment guidelines, investing in domestic capital markets, or purchasing land to lend to other entities.

BENEFITS OF MASALA BONDS:

  • Investors benefit from higher interest rates than other debt instruments. This encourages foreign investors to participate in India’s growth.
  • Masala Bonds boost foreign investors’ confidence in the Indian economy. They help to maintain India’s economic stability by making INR investment more accessible.
  • Capital gains from rupee-denominated bonds are tax-exempt. This encourages long-term investments.
  • Investors can benefit from currency appreciation during the bond’s tenure.

 CONCLUSION:

Masala Bonds are a unique financial instrument that allows companies to raise funds from international markets using Indian rupees. These bonds are an appealing investment option for foreign investors, as they provide a taste of the Indian market while diversifying their portfolio. For India, they attract foreign investment, boosting the economy. Masala Bonds add opportunities and benefits for both borrowers and the Indian economy to the financial landscape, making them appealing to investors seeking global opportunities or those simply interested in international finance.

 

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Written by – Surya Venkata Sujith