RBI keeps repo rate steady at 6.5% fifth time in a row amid robust economic growth

Reserve Bank of India Governor Shasikanta Das during the Monetary Policy press conference. | Photo Credit: EMMANUAL YOGINI

The Reserve Bank of India on Friday decided to keep the policy rate unchanged at 6.5% for the fifth time in a row as it maintains a tight vigil on inflation.

“The Reserve Bank of India’s Monetary Policy Committee after a detailed assessment of the evolving macroeconomic developments, has decided unanimously to keep the repo rate unchanged at 6.5%,” RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das said amid India’s better-than-expected economic growth.

The RBI had raised the repo rate by a total 250 basis points (bps) since May 2022 in efforts to cool surging inflation, which dropped to a four-month low of 4.87% in October, but is expected to remain above the RBI’s 4% medium-term target for some time.

“The moderation in retail inflation in October to 4.87% from June’s high of 7.4%, has been broad based. The near-term outlook however is marked by food inflation pressures which may show up in November as well as December. Against this backdrop, the MPC remains highly alert and prepared to take appropriate actions as necessary,” Mr. Das said.

The MPC also decided by a majority of 5:1 to remain focused on the withdrawal of accommodation to ensure that inflation aligns to the target, while supporting growth.

“The emerging market economies have remained resilient during the current bout of volatility unlike previous episodes. While headline inflation has receded from recent highs, it remains high in several economies and core inflation remains sticky. Against this unsettled global environment, the Indian economy represents a picture of resilience and momentum,” Mr. Das added.

India’s economy grew 7.6% in the July-September quarter, much faster than the polled median of 6.8% and RBI’s estimate of 6.5%, helped by government spending and manufacturing, raising bets that Asia’s third-largest economy will outperform its own estimates for the full year.

The central bank projected the Consumer Price-based Inflation (CPI) based retail inflation at 5.4% for the current fiscal.

The MPC meeting took place against the backdrop of inflation declining to 4.87%t in October. The November print of inflation is expected to be released next week.

The government has mandated the RBI to keep CPI inflation at 4% with a margin of 2% on either side.

(with inputs from agencies)