Finmin says rupee likely to recoup in 2-3 months

“We are quite hopeful that the rupee will strengthen in next two-three months," economic affairs secretary Arvind Mayaram told reporters at the concluding day of the two-day Asia Securities Forum here.

Mayaram hoped the currency will appreciate once the economy is back on an upward curve without any effective intervention by the RBI. “I don't think RBI would have to effectively intervene for strengthening the rupee. We believe, once the slowdown bottoms out, the rupee will strengthen.”

The rupee lost nearly 4% against the dollar in November alone, becoming the worst loser among the leading global currencies for the month. Last year, the Indian unit was the second worst performer after the 'real' of Brazil, losing close to 20%.

On the back of reform initiatives on September 14 and October 5, the rupee had rallied 5.1% to close at 51.37 to the dollar. Since April, the rupee has fallen by more than 6%, and on Friday closed at 55.5350/5450 a dollar, a 10-week low. In 2010-11, the currency appreciated by 1.1%, but slid by more than 12% in 2011-12 in the wake of the European crisis.

Rejecting reports of government slipping on the fiscal deficit target of 5.3% for FY13, Mayaram exuded confidence of meeting the

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