India's external debt at $426 bn at end-Dec: govt

India's total external debt stood at $426 billion at the end of December, up $21.1 billion or 5.2% from the end of March 2013, the finance ministry said in a statement on Friday.

India's total external debt stood at $426 billion at the end of December, up $21.1 billion or 5.2% from the end of March 2013, the finance ministry said in a statement on Friday.

The rise in external debt during the period was due to an increase in deposits mobilised from non-resident Indians, the statement added.

The share of India's short-term debt in the total external debt was 21.8% as of end-December, the ministry said.