Final answer:
The least likely measure to stop the slide of the Indian rupee is following an expansionary monetary policy, as it typically leads to lower interest rates, which can further depreciate the currency. The correct answer is option d.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question pertains to the measures a government or central bank, like the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), may take to prevent the depreciation of its currency, the Indian rupee. Out of the given options, the tendency would be to curb imports of non-essential goods and promote exports, encourage issuing of rupee-denominated Masala Bonds, and ease conditions related to external commercial borrowing, as these measures can help in stabilizing the rupee by reducing outflows or enhancing inflows of foreign currency. However, following an expansionary monetary policy is less likely because this usually involves lowering interest rates to stimulate growth, which in turn can lead to a further slide in the currency as lower interest rates can reduce the demand for the currency on the foreign exchange markets, as illustrated by the Brazilian example.