<h1>India's External Debt Hits $426 Billion by End of 2013; Long-term Debt and NRI Deposits Drive 5.2% Increase.</h1> At the end of December 2013, India's external debt reached US$ 426.0 billion, marking a 5.2% increase from March 2013. The debt-to-GDP ratio rose to 23.3% from 21.8%. This increase was primarily due to long-term debt, particularly from NRI deposits, influenced by the FCNR(B) swap scheme. Long-term debt rose by 8.1% to US$ 333.3 billion, while short-term debt decreased by 4.1% to US$ 92.7 billion. Commercial borrowings, NRI deposits, and multilateral debt were significant components. The US dollar accounted for 63.6% of the debt, with the Indian rupee and other currencies comprising the remainder.