New Delhi, July 21 -- India's coal imports in 2024-25 fell nearly 8% to 243.62 million tonnes, leading to foreign exchange savings of over Rs.60,681.67 crore, said G. Kishan Reddy, the Union minister for coal and mines, on Monday.

In a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha, the minister noted that the imports stood at 264.53 million tonnes in 2023-24.

"During 2024-25, India imported 243.62 million tonnes of coal, compared to 264.53 million tonnes in 2023-24. Due to the reduction of around 20.91 million tonnes in coal imports, there has been a forex savings of around Rs.60,681.67 crore during 2024-25 compared to 2023-24," Reddy said.

The fall in imports comes amid the rise in domestic production. India's coal production reached...