How does gold smuggling impact the economy in India

Analyzing the economic implications of gold smuggling in India.
Gold smuggling has significant implications on the economy of India as it affects various aspects:
  • Loss of Revenue: Gold smuggling leads to substantial revenue loss for the government. Illegal gold trade avoids taxes and duties, reducing the government's ability to collect revenue.
  • Current Account Deficit: High gold imports and smuggling contribute to widening the current account deficit. It increases the outflow of foreign exchange, impacting the overall balance of payments.
  • Undermining Legal Trade: Gold smuggling undermines the legal gold market, impacting authorized jewelers and bullion traders. This discourages formal sector participation and reduces employment opportunities.
  • Money Laundering and Black Economy: Illicit gold trade often involves money laundering and the use of black money. This further deepens the parallel economy, impacting transparency, and hindering economic growth.
  • Inflation and Exchange Rate Volatility: Unregulated gold imports can lead to inflationary pressures and increased exchange rate volatility. This affects price stability and the purchasing power of the common man.
  • Adverse Impact on Efforts to Curb Trade Deficit: Gold smuggling, by adding to the trade imbalance, hampers efforts to maintain a favorable trade deficit, hindering economic stability and growth.
To mitigate these economic implications, effective enforcement, stricter penalties, and measures to promote transparency in gold transactions are essential.
Answered a year ago
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