New Delhi, April 17 -- Indian banks have temporarily halted imports of gold and silver due to delays in obtaining fresh government approvals, disrupting bullion flows into the country and raising concerns over supply ahead of a key festive buying season, according to Reuters.

The pause stems from a delay in the issuance of annual import authorisations by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), a routine process that allows nominated banks to import precious metals each financial year. The previous authorisation expired on 31 March 2026, and a renewed directive has yet to be released, prompting banks to hold off on placing new import orders, sources familiar with the matter told Reuters.

As a result, shipments already ordered ar...