By Gopika GopakumarMUMBAI (Reuters) -The BRICS countries-backed New Development Bank (NDB) plans to issue its first Indian rupee-denominated bond in the domestic market before end-March 2026, three sources familiar with the matter said. NDB, which has previously raised funds in Chinese yuan and South African rand, is in advanced stages of discussions with the Indian central bank for its debut rupee issuance, the sources said. Earlier this week, China rolled out measures to support the development of yuan bonds in Hong Kong and, over the past few months, the Indian central bank has announced steps to allow wider investment options for foreign funds held in Indian bank accounts. A spokesperson for the Reserve Bank of India did not respond to a request for comment. Final approvals for the issue are pending with the Reserve Bank of India, two other sources familiar with the conversations said.