Anand Mody, Group COO & Co Head Investment Banking, Aikyam Capital Group said: "The recent Reserve Bank of India decision to cut its repo rate to 5.25% marks an important moment for India’s startup and early-stage ecosystem. With borrowing costs down, banks and NBFCs can offer cheaper loans, reducing interest outgo and easing working-capital pressure for young companies. For startups, this translates into more accessible credit, improved cash flow, and greater financial flexibility, enabling faster product development, growth investments, and runway extension. In short: this move opens an avenue for a lower cost of capital that may have the potential to add to our growth momentum for innovation-driven ventures across India."
RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra announces the repo rate cut on Friday.RBI Repo Rate Cut, RBI MPC Meeting December 2025 Today Live Updates: The Reserve Bank of India’s three-day Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) has decided to cut the repo rate by 25 basis points to 5.25%. The central bank’s Governor Sanjay Malhotra said the RBI has kept its stance neutral.
The rate cut comes after two consecutive MPCs kept the rate unchanged at 5.5%. The STF (Standing Deposit Facility) rate under the LAF (Liquidity Adjustment Facility) shall stand adjusted to 5% and the MSF (Marginal Standing Facility) and bank rate to 5.5%. The MPC also decided to continue with the neutral stance, says RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra
Economic backdrop: The policy review comes on the back of robust economic performance, with the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) growing at 8.2 per cent in Q2 FY2026 – its fastest pace in six quarters, and consumer price index (CPI) inflation easing to an all-time low of 0.25 per cent in October.
Aurodeep Nandi, India Economist, Nomura, says "There were many temptations on the path of inflation targeting – the temptation to target the rupee, to target deposit rates, to target growth, but by delivering a 25bp cut at a time when inflation is well below the RBI’s lower tolerance bound of 2%, the RBI has wisely stuck to its core mandate. The announcements on durable liquidity injection alongside the rate cut suggests a penchant towards wholeheartedly reinforcing policy transmission rather than half-hearted rate cuts typically at the end of easing cycles, which dilute their transmission."
Khiroda Jena, Chief Financial & Risk Officer at Bombay Dyeing (Bombay Realty), says: “RBI’s 25 bps rate cut is a well-calibrated move that delivers immediate relief across both the demand and supply sides of the housing ecosystem. For homebuyers, especially in high-commitment markets like Mumbai, even a marginal reduction in lending rates improves EMIs, enhances affordability, and strengthens purchasing confidence. Coupled with the recent GST rationalisation, the cost framework for end users is now more conducive to faster decision-making. From an industry standpoint, lower rates ease developers’ borrowing costs, improve liquidity cycles, and support more efficient capital deployment—critical at a time when project pipelines are expanding. Together, these measures are likely to accelerate momentum in mid-income and premium housing, re-activate fence-sitters, and reinforce a healthier, more sustained growth trajectory for the real estate sector.”
Venkatesh Gopalakrishnan, MD - Shapoorji Pallonji Real Estate (SPRE) , says: “We welcome the Reserve Bank of India’s decision to reduce the policy repo rate by 25 basis points to 5.25 percent. This calibrated move supports growth, anchors inflation expectations, and strengthens market confidence. For the housing sector, especially mid income and aspiring buyers, lower borrowing costs enhance affordability and uplift sentiment. With the benefits of rate cuts being passed on, it will significantly accelerate decision making in the mid income segment, while the premium category benefits more through an uplift in overall market confidence and improved investment sentiment. We believe the RBI’s move is closely aligned with evolving homebuyer needs and will help catalyse demand in the coming months.”
Ashok Kapur, Chairman, Krishna Group and Krisumi Corporation says, "The 25 bps repo rate reduction is well aligned with the current low-inflation environment and India’s steady growth outlook. The luxury housing segment has seen decisive momentum from end-users over recent quarters, driven by rising incomes and a shift towards lifestyle-led living. Softer lending rates will further enhance affordability for discerning buyers looking to upgrade and invest in high-quality homes that offer better design standards and long-term asset value. We expect sustained demand within the premium segment as consumer preference evolves toward integrated, high-quality, future-ready developments. The rate cut strengthens sentiment and supports the long-term growth cycle of the real estate market."
Saurav Ghosh, Co-founder of Jiraaf, says: “With its 25-basis-point repo rate cut and a reaffirmation of a neutral policy stance, the RBI has struck a careful balance between price stability and growth support. The lowering of the rate reflects the comfort the central bank now has with subdued inflation, while the boost in the GDP growth forecast to 7.3% from 6.8% signals renewed confidence in India’s economic momentum. This step ushers in what feels like a new policy era one aimed at enabling cost-effective borrowing to power infrastructure, business expansion, and consumer demand. By leaving the door open for another 25 bps cut (possibly taking terminal rates to around 5%), the RBI underscores its commitment to supporting growth without compromising its inflation mandate. In short: cheaper credit, stable prices, and a growth trajectory making this a pivotal moment in India’s economic journey.”
Pramod Kumar Gupta, Director, Kadamashree Developers India LLP, says: "The repo rate of 5.25% which came after the series of cuts in 2025, significantly boosted the relative appeal of real estate as an investment class compared to fixed-income products. Investors are likely to see Grade A residential, commercial strata units and listed REITs as the new places for superior risk-adjusted returns and regular cash flows as safer instruments yields go lower. The increased FY26 GDP growth expectancy points to a long-lasting demand situation for the likes of office, retail and logistics that will in turn support rental growth and reduced vacancy rates midterm. The policy change is like rolling out the carpet for homebuyers and investors who think long-term as it indicates the start of a friendly interest rate cycle where getting in on quality assets during the rise could provide both capital appreciation and income stability for the next 3-5 years."
Anurag Goel, Director, Goel Ganga Developments, says: "The recent reduction of the repo rate by 25 basis points to 5.25% is expected to have a significant impact on home loan rates in the coming months, assuming banks and HFCs quickly pass the benefit on to the borrowers. Upward revision of GDP growth forecasts for FY26 leads to a better income view and increased job confidence, which is exactly what makes those who are undecided finally turn their inquiries into bookings. The combination of lower EMIs and a more optimistic growth outlook creates a perfect timing for the end-users in the affordable and mid-income segments, particularly in Tier II and III cities where EMI sensitivity is high. This can spark a revival in the areas where the price hike was already felt, and at the same time, it would contribute to pro-cyclical and healthy upcycling rather than speculative froth."
Parijat Agrawal, Head of Fixed Income at Union Asset Management Company Private Limited, says: “The MPC (Monetary Policy Committee) cut the repo rate by 25bps along with durable liquidity measures which augur well for overall economic growth. The lower inflation numbers provide room for MPC to remain focussed on pro-growth measures. The favourable inflation outlook, which is below the RBI's comfort zone, alongside relatively lower GDP projections for the upcoming year than the previous fiscal and lower high frequency leading indicators leave some space for additional rate cuts going ahead.”
On the RBI repo rate cut, Executive Director & Chief Investment Officer of Shriram General Insurance Ashwani Dhanawat says: “The Reserve Bank of India’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), under Governor Sanjay Malhotra, has concluded its December 2025 review with a measured yet anticipated step forward. In line with market expectations, the repo rate has been reduced by 25 basis points to 5.25%, marking the fourth cut in the easing cycle this year (totaling 125 bps). This adjustment reflects the MPC’s confidence in sustained disinflation, while maintaining a neutral policy stance to support robust economic momentum.”
Sachin Bajaj, executive vice-president and chief investment officer, Axis Max Life Insurance, says. “Beyond the rate cut, RBI’s decision to purchase government bonds worth up to Rs 1 lakh crore through open market operations (OMO), combined with a USD 5 billion buy-sell swap, marks a decisive effort to restore durable liquidity and stabilize currency markets after the rupee’s sharp depreciation. Through this dovish stance, RBI has struck a balanced policy that eases borrowing costs while shoring up financial conditions. With inflation at a multi-year low, there remains ample scope for further monetary support. We continue to see room for an additional 25 basis-point repo-rate cut, potentially taking the rate to 5%, later this financial year, emanating from uncertain global environment and tariffs.”
Kanika Singh, Chief Risk Officer– IMGC, says “The RBI’s decision to cut the repo rate by 25 bps to 5.25% while maintaining a neutral stance reflects its confidence in the current inflation trajectory, which remains well within the comfort zone. The rate cut will provide relief to borrowers, as lending rates and EMIs are likely to ease further, supporting household cash flows and consumption. Although real GDP growth in Q2FY26 surprised on the upside—supported by strong private consumption and industrial momentum—nominal GDP continues to lag, justifying a supportive monetary stance. With the repo rate reduction, Home Loan borrowers are definitely expected to benefit. We have already seen some return on investment (ROI) benefits from the previous two rate cuts being passed on to borrowers. With a 25 bps rate cut, the home loan EMIs will come down substantially, provided the transmission occurs in real-time and not with a lag.The inflation outlook is also positive, supported by low core inflation
Vikas Bhasin, Managing Director, Saya Group, says: The RBI’s 25 bps rate cut is a timely boost for the economy and a clear signal of easing financial conditions. For borrowers, this translates into lower EMIs and improved liquidity, while for homebuyers it significantly enhances affordability and purchasing power. With borrowing costs easing, we expect renewed momentum in housing demand, particularly in the mid-income and first-time buyer segments.
Sadaf Sayeed, CEO, Muthoot Microfin, “The 25 bps policy rate cut is a prudent and positive step by the RBI. The additional liquidity infusion of ₹1 trillion through OMOs is equally significant, providing a strong growth-oriented push. This combination will enhance credit flow to the last mile, easing EMIs for customers and improving access to credit as liquidity transmission strengthens from banks to MFIs”
Shraddha Kedia-Agarwal, Director, Transcon Developers says: “A 25 basis-point rate reduction, combined with a neutral stance, reflects the RBI’s confidence in India’s economic fundamentals. For end-users, especially in metropolitan markets like Mumbai, even a small EMI correction significantly impacts affordability. We expect this rate cut to boost sales in the luxury and upper-mid segments, where consumer sentiment is already positive due to rising disposable incomes and aspirational living. This policy move will give homebuyers the comfort and confidence to upgrade and invest.”
Shilpin Tater, Managing Director, Superb Realty, says: “The RBI’s 25 basis-point repo rate cut will positively impact both residential and commercial real estate. On the residential front, lower borrowing costs will enhance affordability and accelerate purchases, especially among first-time and young homebuyers. For the commercial segment, a softer rate environment improves capex viability, boosts investor sentiment, and encourages businesses to expand or upgrade office spaces. With GDP growth robust and inflation at record lows, this rate cut positions the sector for a strong growth cycle across both asset classes in FY2026.”
Kaushal Agarwal, Chairman, The Guardians Real Estate Advisory says: “The RBI’s calibrated 25 bps rate cut is a welcome breather for the real estate sector at a time when the rupee’s volatility and global headwinds were beginning to cast uncertainty. Home loan EMIs are likely to see marginal improvement, which will further strengthen buyer confidence—particularly among fence-sitters waiting for a softer interest rate environment. With demand already buoyant and inflation at near-zero levels, this decision will lend additional stability and stimulate fresh investment into both residential and commercial real estate.”
Prashant Sharma, President, NAREDCO Maharashtra, says: “The RBI’s decision to reduce the repo rate by 25 basis points comes at a perfect time for the industry and reinforces India’s Goldilocks moment of low inflation and strong growth. A lower interest rate regime will provide much-needed momentum to housing demand, especially in the mid-income and premium categories where sentiment has remained strong. With inflation stabilising and GDP growth accelerating, this policy move will not only improve homebuyer affordability but also support developers by reducing overall borrowing costs. We expect the rate cut to trigger improved sales velocity across key markets in Maharashtra.”
"The RBI’s decision to cut the repo rate by 25 bps is broadly in line with our expectations. Inflation has consistently printed below the RBI’s projections, indicating that there was adequate room for policy easing. Although GDP growth has been higher than the RBI’s forecasts, it is expected to moderate to 6.5-7 per cent in the coming quarters. This still leaves room for pursuing a higher and, as the Governor has previously described, more aspirational growth trajectory. That said, we believe the rate-cut cycle is now nearing its end. If the growth and inflation dynamics remain supportive, there may still be room for one more 25 bps cut in this cycle, but that would likely mark the end of this cycle. In addition, we expect the RBI to maintain a comfortable liquidity surplus to ensure swift transmission to the deposit and credit markets, and to deploy further OMO purchase auctions or FX swaps if required," Vikram Chhabra, senior economist, 360 ONE Asset.
Shilpa Bhatter, Chief Financial Officer, UGRO Capital, says: “The RBI’s 25 bps rate cut to 5.25% and the sharply revised inflation outlook create a supportive environment for credit expansion. With headline CPI now projected at just 2% for FY26 and core inflation continuing to ease, the policy clearly signals confidence in domestic price stability. The liquidity measures through OMOs and the USD/INR swap will further soften funding conditions, which is positive for NBFCs and will enhance the flow of credit to MSMEs. The neutral stance gives the RBI flexibility to respond to incoming data while sustaining the growth momentum. Overall, this policy reinforces a healthy credit environment and strengthens the demand outlook across key MSME segments we serve.”
Samir Jasuja, Founder & CEO, real estate data analytics firm PropEquity, says: "The RBI’s continued reduction in the repo rate is a welcome move, especially in the backdrop of easing inflation and strong GDP growth. Lower borrowing costs provides a cushion to homebuyers against rising property prices thereby accelerating decision-making among fence-sitters. Developers, too, are responding to this evolving demand landscape. A noticeable increase in new launches within the ₹2–5 crore segment indicates strategic alignment with buyer preferences. This segment, in particular, stands to benefit significantly from the consistent reduction in home loan rates, which is likely to further support real estate momentum. Overall, the policy move is poised to give a strong fillip to volume-led sales across key geographies, reinforcing growth and confidence across the real estate ecosystem."
Jash Panchamia, Executive Director, Jaypee Infratech Limited said: "The RBI’s decision to cut the repo rate by 25 basis points comes at an opportune moment, with inflation under control and the economy on a stable footing. This move is expected to stimulate consumption across sectors, reinforcing overall economic growth. The housing sector, particularly affordable and mid-segment housing, stands to benefit as lower home loan rates are likely to encourage cautious buyers to make their purchase decisions. Consequently, this could create a positive ripple effect, driving demand for quality homes and further strengthening market activity, while supporting investment sentiment and fostering long-term confidence in the real estate ecosystem."
Pradeep Aggarwal, Founder & Chairman, Signature Global (India) Ltd: "We welcome the RBI’s decision to cut the repo rate by 25 bps to 5.25 per cent amid easing inflation. The move would definitely support the ongoing momentum of overall economic growth, further strengthening demand and investment activity. The real estate sector has remained on a steady growth trajectory, as the prior cumulative repo-rate reduction of 100 bps by the RBI, coupled with income-tax relief given in the Union Budget and GST rate rationalisation earlier this year, has not only made home loans cheaper but has also significantly improved overall affordability for homebuyers. This latest rate cut is expected to further strengthen market sentiment, enhance purchasing power, and support continued growth in housing demand across key segments, keeping real estate a preferred long-term asset class.
Anshuman Magazine, Chairman & CEO - India, South-East Asia, Middle East & Africa, CBRE, says: "The RBI MPC's decision to slash the repo rate by 25 basis points amid a low inflationary environment and better-than-expected GDP growth, reflects its focus on improving the consumption in the economy. This is likely to push the banks to transmit previous rate cuts more aggressively and shift towards a more growth-supportive stance. For real estate, this is expected to boost the demand and strengthen investment sentiment across segments. For home loan borrowers, this might bring a tangible relief as floating-rate EMIs will ease. We expect the market momentum to accelerate further in the coming weeks and hope for greater demand in mid and affordable segments."
Mr. Pradeep Aggarwal, founder & chairman, Signature Global (India) Ltd, says: "We welcome the RBI’s decision to cut the repo rate by 25 bps to 5.25 per cent amid easing inflation. The move would definitely support the ongoing momentum of overall economic growth, further strengthening demand and investment activity. The real estate sector has remained on a steady growth trajectory, as the prior cumulative repo-rate reduction of 100 bps by the RBI, coupled with income-tax relief given in the Union Budget and GST rate rationalisation earlier this year, has not only made home loans cheaper but has also significantly improved overall affordability for homebuyers. This latest rate cut is expected to further strengthen market sentiment, enhance purchasing power, and support continued growth in housing demand across key segments, keeping real estate a preferred long-term asset class."
Vijay Harsh Jha, Founder and CEO of property brokerage firm VS Realtors says the housing market has shown signs of a slowdown. "A 25-bps rate cut and its proper transmission would provide homebuyers cushion from rising property prices thereby encouraging home purchases. Developers, too, stand to benefit from lower cost of borrowing enabling faster project execution. The housing demand-supply dynamics seem to be aligning since second half of 2024 and this pursuit of symmetry, in what developers are launching and what buyers want, will help propel real estate market," he said.
Lalit Parihar, managing director, real estate firm Aaiji Group, says the RBI’s decision to cut the repo rate by 25 bps is a significant boost for the ongoing real estate upswing. By lowering the cost of borrowing, the move directly translates into more affordable home loans for both prospective buyers and existing customers in form of reduced EMIs. This improved affordability is expected to strengthen homebuyer sentiment across segments — from first-time homeowners to those considering upgrades or long-term investments. With the demand for quality homes continuing to surge, driven by urban expansion, rising disposable incomes, and a preference for modern, well-planned living spaces, the rate cut provides just the right momentum for sustained growth. Developers stand to benefit as well, as easier credit conditions can improve liquidity, accelerate project execution, and support new launches in high-demand micro-markets.
Ankur Jalan, CEO, Golden Growth Fund (GGF), says: "From depositors’ standpoint, a 25bps cut in repo rate will create concerns about declining returns on fixed deposits and other interest-bearing savings. Furthermore, this would likely push banks to trim deposit rates in the coming months, making it harder for savers to earn meaningful returns. While lower rates may support broader economic growth, affluent investors and family offices often redirect capital toward higher-return products such as real estate–focused Category II AIFs to preserve real yields, thereby improving fundraising momentum for these funds. A lower interest-rate environment also reduces the cost of capital for developers and strengthens project viability, which in turn expands the opportunity for AIFs."
"The repo rate cut, along with liquidity easing measures, announced by the RBI is exactly in line with our expectations. With RBI continuing to leave room open for further easing, we do not rule out another 25bps cut, with the likely terminal rate at 5% followed by a prolonged pause, says Upasna Bhardwaj, Chief Economist, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Mumbai
"The real GDP growth for this year is projected at 7.3%. This is up by about half a per cent from our earlier projections. Q3 is projected at 7% and Q4 at 6.5%. Real GDP growth for Q1 next year is projected at 6.7% and Q2 next year at 6.8%," says RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra.
Adhil Shetty, CEO of BankBazaar.com says: "The Reserve Bank of India’s 25-basis-point cut is a logical step at a time when inflation has eased to unprecedented lows. The MPC has chosen to retain its neutral stance. The 125-basis-point cut so far this year has already pushed home loan rates lower, making borrowing more affordable for new buyers. For a ₹50-lakh loan over 20 years, this translates into a materially lower lifetime interest outflow and improved affordability for new borrowers. For existing borrowers, a declining-rate cycle is an opportunity to restructure. Retaining the same EMI and allowing the rate cut to reduce the tenure sharply accelerates savings. Even a small EMI increase can further shorten the loan horizon and free up liquidity. Since the home loan is usually the largest household liability, this window should be used to bring down debt faster and strengthen long-term balance sheets."
RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra informed that merchandise exports contracted year-on-year in October 2025 while imports rose for the second straight month, widening the trade deficit. "Strong services exports and remittances, however, are expected to keep the current account deficit modest. Gross FDI grew at a robust pace in the first half of the year, and net FDI increased due to lower repatriation despite higher outward flows. FPI saw net outflows of 0.7 billion US dollars so far, mainly from equities, while ECB and non-resident deposit flows moderated. India’s forex reserves stood at 686 billion US dollars as of November 28, providing more than 11 months of import cover. Overall, India’s external sector remains resilient, and external financing needs can be met comfortably. System liquidity averaged a surplus of Rs 1.5 lakh crore since the MPC’s last meeting in October,” he said.
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsVIDEO | Mumbai: RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra says, “Merchandise exports contracted year-on-year in October 2025 while imports rose for the second straight month, widening the trade deficit. Strong services exports and remittances, however, are expected to keep the current account… pic.twitter.com/eaQ68KxgYX
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 5, 2025
India's forex reserve stands "healthy" at USD 686 billion. This provides import cover of 11 months.
RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra says, "... The Reserve Bank has decided to conduct OMO (Open Market Operations) purchases of government securities of Rs 1 lakh crore and a three-year dollar-rupee buy-sell swap of 5 billion US dollars this month in December to inject further durable liquidity into the system."
CPI inflation for next year stands as follows:
Q1: 3.9%
Q2: 4%
"CPI inflation for this year is now projected at 2%, down 0.6% from our earlier projection," says Governor Sanjay Malhotra.
The STF (Standing Deposit Facility) rate under the LAF (Liquidity Adjustment Facility) shall stand adjusted to 5% and the MSF (Marginal Standing Facility) and bank rate to 5.5%. The MPC also decided to continue with the neutral stance, says RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra
In his Monetary Policy Statement RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra says, “We look back at the year so far with satisfaction. The economy witnessed robust growth and benign inflation. Since the October policy, the Indian economy has witnessed rapid disinflation, with inflation dipping to a mere 0.3% in October 2025. Real GDP growth accelerated to 8.2% in Q2, aided by strong festive spending and rationalisation of GST rates. Inflation at a benign 2.2% and growth at 8% for the first half of the year presents a rare Goldilocks period.”
Governor Sanjay Malhotra said that RBI has decided to reduced the policy repo rate by 25 basis points to 5.25%, keeping its stance neutral.
This is the fifth RBI meeting of the financial year 2026. It comes at a time when the Indian Rupee has hit an unprecedented low this week, breaching the $90 mark.
The BSE indices Sensex, Bankex and Sensex 50 are on an upward trend, while the Sensex Next 50 is marginally down.
The Sensex is also on a marginal upward trajectory, with Kotak Bank, Infy, and HCL Tech driving the trend.
Nifty bank, Nifty Fin Service, and Nifty 50 are showing positive gains ahead of the RBI's monetary policy decision announcement.
The benchmark indices on Friday morning opened flat. The sensex opened at 85,194.26, down 71.06 points. It moved up to 85,269.40 points (0.02%) by 9:40 am. Meanwhile, while the NSE Nifty50 opened 4.75 points down. It moved up 0.02% to 26,039.55 by 9:40 AM.
The RBI's latest policy announcement after the MPC meeting will come barely 4 days before the US Federal Reserve’s policy meeting on December 9-10. As per a Goldman Sachs research, the US federal bank may bring in a 25-basis-point cut. The study further said the US may see an economic growth at 2%-2.5% in 2026. The study attributed the growth rate to reduced impact from tariffs and the Donald Trump administration's tax cuts and "easier financial conditions".
The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) is a statutory body within the Reserve Bank of India responsible for deciding the policy repo rate and guiding the country’s monetary policy to ensure overall economic stability. The committee’s core objective is to keep prices stable in the country while supporting economic growth, with a government-assigned target of maintaining CPI inflation at 4%, within a tolerance band of plus or minus 2%.
RBI MPC structure
The RBI in October had kept the repo rate remain unchanged at 5.5 percent with a neutral stance . This was the second consecutive time that the repo rates had been kept unchanged.
The central bank had then announced that the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) stands at 3%, Standing Deposit Facility (SDF) rate at 5.25% Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) at 5.75%, and Bank Rate at 5.75%.
The RBI MPC had also hiked its its FY26 growth forecast to 6.8% and lowered the Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation projection to 2.6% in its October meeting.
India’s equity benchmarks are poised for a positive start on Friday, even as investors remain split over what the Reserve Bank of India might signal on rates amid strong economic momentum and a weakening rupee, reported news agency Reuters. Gift Nifty futures were at 26,184.5 points at 6:55 AM, suggesting the Nifty 50 would open above Thursday’s closing level of 26,033.75.
The RBI will announce its policy outcome at 10 AM. A Reuters survey had earlier indicated a 25-basis-point cut in the repo rate, a view formed before the release of last month’s GDP numbers. India’s economy expanded at its quickest pace in a year and a half during the September quarter, supported by firm consumer demand, while retail inflation eased to a record low in October. Hopes of an immediate rate cut have softened after the strong growth print and the rupee’s recent slide.
The RBI repo rate and other decisions taken at the Monetary Policy meeting over three days will be announced at a press briefing by RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra at 10 AM today. The announcement will be live streamed on the RBI's YouTube channel. a post-briefing press conference will be held at 12 noon. You can also watch the repo rate announcement and reactions and analyses from various quarters live on The Indian Express.
Ahead of announcing its decision on repo rate taken at the MPC meeting, the Reserve Bank on Thursday released a clarification on how foreign bank branches in India should handle prudential treatment for exposures to their own group entities. The announcement came alongside several amendments to existing regulatory frameworks. The changes introduced to the Large Exposures Framework (LEF) and the rules governing intragroup transactions and exposures outline updates to the methods used for calculating both LEF and intragroup exposure limits. The central bank also noted that lenders must put in place clear policies to manage concentration risks tied to individual counterparties, interconnected groups, and specific economic sectors. Additionally, banks are expected to maintain systems that can track and mitigate risks arising from significant exposures to very large borrowers.
The Reserve Bank of India will announce its bi-monthly monetary policy on Friday, December 5, with Governor Sanjay Malhotra presenting the conclusions of the Monetary Policy Committee’s (MPC) three-day deliberations. The review comes at a moment when inflation is cooling, economic growth is picking up pace, the rupee has slipped past 90 against the US dollar, and global uncertainties continue to linger.
The central bank has already lowered the repo rate by a total of 100 basis points this year, spread across three cuts since February as CPI inflation moved downward. Governor Malhotra had signalled last month that there was still “scope for further reduction.” India continues to aim for retail inflation of 4%, with a tolerance range of two percentage points on either side.
The RBI is also likely to revise its growth outlook upward following stronger-than-anticipated numbers in the first half of the year. In October, the bank had lifted its FY26 GDP growth estimate to 6.8% from the earlier 6.5%.
