Jan 17 (Reuters) - Gold futures in India were almost steady with a negative bias on Friday, in line with overseas leads and a stronger rupee.
* The most-active gold for February delivery on the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) was lower 0.12 percent at 28,999 rupees per 10 grams at 1104 GMT.
* Silver for March delivery on the MCX was 0.06 percent higher at 44,570 rupees per kg.
* Global gold was holding steady, but was headed for its first weekly drop in four weeks as a string of U.S. data showed more strength in the recovery of the world's largest economy, dimming the metal's safe-haven appeal.
* The rupee, which traded stronger on Friday, plays an important role in determining the landed cost of the dollar-quoted yellow metal.
* Premiums stayed steady at $120 an ounce on London prices amid weak demand, said Bachhraj Bamalwa, director at the All India Gems and Jewellery Trade Federation.
* Indian gold imports may have fallen 70 percent in the final quarter of 2013 from 255 tonnes in the year-ago period. They are expected to be half the usual levels at 500-550 tonnes in 2014 if new import rules are maintained.
* To curb a rising trade gap, the Indian government slapped a record import duty of 10 percent and tied imports for domestic consumption with exports.
