Gold Surpasses ₹1.5 Lakh Benchmark (2026) **Executive Summary** Gold prices have breached a historic milestone, crossing the ₹1.5 lakh mark for the first time in 2026. This unprecedented surge is driven by a confluence of macroeconomic instability and strategic shifts in the global financial order, reinforcing the metal's status as a critical safe-haven asset. **Key Drivers** * **Geopolitical & Trade Volatility:** Escalating geopolitical tensions and the threat of new tariffs have accelerated a flight to safety, driving strong investor demand. * **Structural Market Shifts:** Sustained buying by central banks and accelerating de-dollarization trends have underpinned the rally, creating a high floor for valuation. * **Currency Depreciation:** Weakness in the Indian Rupee has further amplified domestic prices, compounding the impact of the global rally.