The Reserve Bank of India intervened in the foreign exchange market this week to curb speculation in the rupee, according to a person familiar with the central bank’s thinking, surprising traders who expected a more hands-off approach on the currency from the new governor.

The Indian rupee rose sharply on Tuesday, aided by the central bank's heavy-handed intervention, which also triggered stop losses for speculators betting against the currency.

The Reserve Bank of India (NSE:BOI) (RBI) took action in the foreign exchange market this week to limit speculation in the rupee, an unexpected move that caught traders off guard who anticipated a more laissez-faire stance from the new governor,

Data suggests that the forex reserves of the RBI has declined sharply by over $75 billion since September 27. This was the period when the Indian rupee depreciated from 83.70 against the US Dollar on September 27,