MPC highlights: Growth estimate revisions mainly due to tariff-related uncertainties, says Malhotra
RBI MPC Meeting 2025 highlights: Catch all the latest news updates on the RBI Monetary Policy Committee meeting here
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RBI's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) decided to reduce the repo rate by 25 basis points to 6 per cent
RBI's Monetary Policy Committee has decided to cut repo rate by 25 basis points to 6 per cent, says RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra. This is the first MPC meeting for the 2025-26 financial year (FY26). Since October 2024, the RBI has been gradually easing policy through rate cuts, stance adjustments, liquidity support, and flexible exchange rate management. After holding the repo rate steady at 6.5 per cent since February 2023, the RBI lowered it to 6.25 per cent in February 2025—the first cut in nearly five years.
What is the RBI MPC?
The MPC of the RBI meets every two months to decide on key policy measures, primarily the benchmark interest rates. Its decisions are guided by factors such as inflation, liquidity conditions, and overall economic outlook. The committee has six members—three from the RBI, including the Governor who chairs the meetings, and three external members appointed by the central government for a four-year term.
What does an RBI rate cut mean?
Lower rates are aimed at boosting economic activity by encouraging spending and investment. If the RBI goes ahead with another rate cut, it would mark a total reduction of 100 basis points in 2025, including the cut announced in February. This would likely lead to lower interest rates on home, car, and personal loans—making borrowing cheaper for both consumers and businesses.
5:05 PM
Rate cut will increase accessibility: Shailesh Chandra, President, SIAM
“Reduction in rates at this time, would have a positive impact on the Auto Sector, as it will increase accessibility by reducing the financing costs, thereby creating a positive sentiment across the market,” Shailesh Chandra, president, SIAM and managing director of Tata Passenger Vehicles Ltd & Tata Passenger Electric Mobility Ltd, said.
4:08 PM
Buyers will benefit from the improved credit environment: The Guardians Real Estate Advisory
"The RBI’s decision to cut the repo rate by 25 basis points to 6% comes as a welcome move for the real estate sector. A lower interest rate environment generally improves home loan affordability, which is likely to boost buyer sentiment especially in a price-sensitive market like Mumbai. We had already seen a positive response during the last cut from 6.50% to 6.25%, and with the current reduction to 6%, we expect this trend to continue. Developers and buyers alike will benefit from the improved credit environment, and we anticipate stronger traction in mid-income and first-time homebuyer segments over the next two quarters," Kaushal Agarwal, chairman at The Guardians Real Estate Advisory, stated.
2:28 PM
Homebuyers, developers could find more breathing room: Bharat Dhawan, managing partner, Forvis Mazars
"With borrowing costs now slightly lower, homebuyers and developers could find more breathing room, giving a welcome push to the real estate sector. On the rural side, strong farm activity is likely to boost income levels, which may support spending in smaller towns and help keep consumption steady. RBI's stance has shifted from neutral to accommodative now, which means RBI may go for another 25-bps cut in the second half of 2025, especially," says Bharat Dhawan, managing partner, Forvis Mazars.
2:11 PM
Concerned about tariff impact on growth more than inflation: RBI Governor
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Sanjay Malhotra on Wednesday said that more than inflation, the central bank is concerned about the impact of US tariffs on growth. During the post-Monetary Policy press conference, Malhotra said the RBI lowered the growth forecast primarily because of the tariff-related uncertainties. "More than inflation, we are concerned about tariff impact on growth," he said. Read here for a detailed story.
1:51 PM
Lower interest rates likely to spur demand for home loans: PNB Housing Finance
“The RBI’s decision to reduce the repo rate by 25 basis points and shift its stance to ‘accommodative’ is a welcome move, especially in the current environment of moderating inflation and global headwinds. For the housing finance sector, this signals a favourable lending environment and bodes well for homebuyers, particularly in the affordable and mid-income segments. Lower interest rates will help improve housing affordability and are likely to spur demand for home loans, thereby giving a boost to residential real estate. Additionally, the RBI’s focus on ensuring adequate liquidity and enhancing credit availability provides confidence to both lenders and borrowers," Girish Kousgi, MD and CEO, PNB Housing Finance, stated.
1:39 PM
Rate cut will have positive cascading effect across all capital-intensive sectors: Hindustan Power
"We welcome the Reserve Bank of India’s decision to reduce the repo rate by 25 basis points. This move comes at a crucial time and is expected to have a positive cascading effect across all capital-intensive sectors in the country. For the power industry, access to lower-cost financing is essential to accelerate infrastructure development, invest in clean energy projects, and modernize grid systems. The reduction in borrowing costs will ease the financial burden on existing projects and enhance the viability of new investments, especially in the renewable energy space where long-term funding plays a critical role," Ratul Puri, chairman, Hindustan Power, stated.
1:35 PM
RBI will continue its focus on lowering repo rate: Director of Research, Great Lakes Institute, Chennai
"The RBI’s decision to lower the repo rate was expected even before the chaos of the ongoing trade wars. US tariffs, if not reversed or lowered in the next few months, will disrupt global trade since the US is a leading importer of manufacturing goods, both intermediate and final, from several countries. If slowing exports lead to an excess supply in the domestic market, consumer inflation in India will slow down. Services exports will also be adversely impacted by slowing global growth. Further, as global growth slows, crude oil prices may fall, lowering pressure on fuel inflation. However, potential rupee depreciation could lead to increased prices of imported items," Vidya Mahambare, professor of economics and Director of Research, Great Lakes Institute of Management, Chennai, said.
1:02 PM
RBI Governor Malhotra on IndusInd crisis
"These are not failures, just episodes. We are safe, secure at a systemic level," says Governor Malhotra.
12:55 PM
RBI's statement on tackling digital fraud
Digital fraud is a major concern for all of us and RBI is working proactively to combat this, says RBI Deputy Governor Swaminathan.
12:49 PM
RBI MPC meeting LIVE update: No worry on personal loan growth front in banks, says RBI governor
12:43 PM
RBI MPC news updates: We have sufficient reserves, says RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra
RBI Governor Malhotra underlined that Indian Rupee is quite stable and that there are 'sufficient' reserves.
12:40 PM
RBI MPC update: Lifting the economy will be a joint effort of government and RBI, says Governor Malhotra
12:35 PM
Governor Malhotra clarifies on guidelines on loan against gold
RBI Governor Malhotra stated that the proposed guidelines on loan against gold not aimed at tightening norms but aimed at rationalising conduct of lenders.
12:32 PM
RBI MPC update: Impact of US tariff hike is much less on India; we have comparative advantage, says Governor
12:24 PM
I am not Sanjay of Mahabharat, don't have divine vision: RBI Governor
"We have reduced repo rates, changed the stance which suggests that rates will go downwards. Where it will reach, that is to be seen. I am Sanjay, not Sanjay of Mahabharat to be able to foresee that far. I don't have that divine vision," says RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra.
Topics : Reserve Bank of India RBI MPC Meeting RBI monetary policy RBI RBI Governor RBI Policy Interest Rates
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First Published: Apr 09 2025 | 6:36 AM IST
