Indian rupee has strengthened against the U.S. dollar on Thursday supported by fund inflows from foreign institutional investors (FIIs). FIIs were the net buyers of securities worth Rs 943.81 crore on Wednesday. Meanwhile, in a meeting with representatives from 35 Export Promotion Councils (EPCs) and key industry associations, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has urged exporters and industry bodies to fully utilize the series of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) signed with developed countries with an aim to maximise job creation and boost exports of goods and services. On the global front, the Japanese yen strengthened against other major currencies in the Asian session as Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama reaffirmed that the government would react to currency fluctuations in accordance with the joint statement from the United States and Japan.

Finally, the rupee ended at 90.61 (Provisional), strengthened by 17 paise from its previous close of 90.78 on Wednesday. The currency touched a high and low of 90.65 and 90.40 respectively.