India's external debt snapshot

India's total external debt rose by 8.1% to $242.8 billion at the end of September 2009 from $224.6 billion at March-end 2009. The long-term debt increased by 10.6% to $200.4 billion, while short-term debt declined by 2.3% to $42.4 billion.Most of the increase in the debt ($8.3 billion or 45.6%) is due to depreciation of dollar against major global currencies, out of a total increase of $18.2 billion, according to a finance ministry statement. The total external financial assets increased by $21 billion to $378.6 billion at September-end 2009 over the previous quarter. Total external financial liabilities increased by $32.7 billion over the previous quarter and stood at $476.4 billion at Septemberend 2009. Direct investment and Portfolio investment in India increased by $11 billion and $10.2 billion respectively over the previous quarter.