FPIs pump in Rs 1.22 lakh cr in securities

In 2013, investments in Indian securities was Rs 62,288 crore

Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) have pumped in over Rs 1.22 lakh crore in Indian stock markets during the first six months of this year.

Investments in Indian securities (equity and debt) made by Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs)/FPIs in 2013 was Rs 62,288 crore, Minister of State for Finance Nirmala Sitharaman said in a written reply in the Lok Sabha.

FIIs had invested over Rs 1.63 lakh crore in 2012 and Rs 39,353 crore in 2011.

She said the government, in consultation with RBI and Sebi, has made concerted efforts to encourage capital inflows, which include enhancement of FII debt limit from time to time, replacement of existing FII scheme with FPI scheme with effect from June 1.

FPIs encompasses all FIIs, their sub-accounts and qualified foreign investors (QFI) under a new regime that comes into force on June 1.

The new regime divides FPIs into three categories as per their risk profile and the KYC (know your client) requirements and other registration procedures would be simpler.

She said the prevailing financial market conditions and anticipated future returns of the proposed investment and liquidity as well as volatility in markets are among the factors that influence FII/FPI investment decisions.