In a speech on 'India and the global economy' given on 17 June, YV Reddy of the Reserve Bank of India said the presence of foreign banks in India has benefited the financial system by enhancing competition, resulting in higher efficiency. There has also been transfer of technology and specialised skills which has had some "demonstration effect" as Indian banks too have upgraded their skills, and diversified into other activities.

"At a time when access to foreign currency funds was a constraint