Silver rate today, May 17 -- The central government has imposed immediate restrictions on imports of silver in almost all forms, according to a government notification issued on Saturday, as the world's largest consumer of the metal looks to curb inflows and reduce pressure on the rupee.

The move is likely to lower silver imports and tighten domestic availability, which could push up premiums in the local market, according to market experts.

A decline in Indian demand - with the country relying on imports for over 80% of its silver consumption - may also put pressure on global silver prices.

Under the new directive, imports of 99.9% purity silver bars, along with all other semi-finished silver products, have been moved to the restricte...