重创美元霸权？俄一箭双雕，既花掉手里的印度卢比，去美元化加速

Core Insights - Russia is accumulating hundreds of billions of Indian Rupees, driving a transformation in the global trade settlement system [1] - The conflict in Ukraine has led to Western sanctions that cut off Russia's traditional settlement channels in USD and EUR, while India is promoting the internationalization of the Rupee through energy trade with Russia [1][3] - In FY 2022-2023, India's imports from Russia reached $41.5 billion, resulting in a significant trade deficit as exports to Russia were only $2.8 billion [1] Group 1 - The liquidity of the Rupee is severely lacking, with Russian central bank data indicating that these Rupee funds are difficult to exchange freely, depreciating by approximately 17% over three years [3] - In April 2023, Russia had to suspend Rupee settlements and requested payments in RMB or UAE Dirhams instead [3] - By May 2023, Russia resumed Rupee payments through Indian joint commercial banks for targeted procurement [3] Group 2 - Leaked documents reveal that Russia plans to utilize ₹82 billion (approximately $1 billion) to procure electronic components and servers, which can serve both civilian and military needs, effectively circumventing sanctions [5] - In FY 2023, Russia's imports of electronic and mechanical products from India surged to $66 billion, a fivefold increase compared to pre-war levels [5] Group 3 - Russia is exploring joint ventures in India to convert short-term Rupee reserves into long-term investments [7] - Russia is diversifying its settlement methods, with Indian state-owned enterprises expected to start using RMB for oil payments by 2025, while private enterprises have already adopted this approach [7] - The transformation of trade settlements between Russia and India reflects a broader trend of de-dollarization, with bilateral trade reaching $68.7 billion in FY 2024, largely bypassing USD [7] Group 4 - This shift aligns with a wider global trade trend, as the IMF reports that the share of the USD in global foreign exchange reserves has decreased from 72% in the early 2000s to 58% in 2024 [9] - The rapid development of the Cross-Border Interbank Payment System (CIPS) has attracted over 1,700 financial institutions by 2025, covering 107 countries and regions, providing foundational support for alternative settlement systems [9] - Since 2025, international financial markets have seen multiple instances of USD-denominated assets and exchange rates declining simultaneously, indicating investor concerns about USD assets [9] Group 5 - The trend is not limited to trade between Russia and India; Brazil and China are also using local currencies for soybean trade, and South Africa and Russia are attempting similar settlement models [11] - Although the USD maintains a dominant position, its absolute advantage is gradually weakening as countries actively seek to construct a diversified settlement system [11] - The core of currency internationalization lies in liquidity and stability, with the Russia-India case illustrating the gradual evolution of a diversified global trade system driven by economic interests and geopolitical considerations [11]