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RBI raises FY26 GDP forecast to 7.6%
Samira Vishwas | April 9, 2026 8:24 AM CST

The Reserve Bank of India Monetary Policy Committee has kept the repo rate unchanged at 5.25 percent while maintaining its neutral stance, even as it upgraded India’s growth outlook for the current financial year.

The decision comes after a three day meeting chaired by RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra, where the panel reviewed inflation trends, economic growth, and global developments.

What RBI said on GDP growth outlook

The central bank has raised its projection for FY26 real GDP growth to 7.6 percent from the earlier estimate of 7.4 percent, signalling confidence in domestic economic momentum.

For FY27, the RBI has projected GDP growth at 6.9 percent, indicating a gradual moderation in growth over the medium term.

This outlook comes at a time when several global brokerages have lowered their forecasts for India. Estimates for FY27 now range between 6 percent and 7 percent from major institutions, reflecting concerns around global demand and macro uncertainties.

Why RBI kept repo rate unchanged

The MPC decided to hold rates steady at 5.25 percent while retaining a neutral stance, indicating that future policy moves will depend on incoming data rather than a fixed direction.

The decision suggests that the central bank is balancing:

Growth momentum in the domestic economy
Inflation risks driven by global factors
Recent volatility in crude oil and geopolitical developments

What this means for markets today

The combination of a steady rate and an upgraded growth forecast is broadly supportive for equity markets.

Banking and financial stocks may see stable sentiment due to unchanged rates, while growth sensitive sectors could benefit from the improved GDP outlook.

At the same time, the neutral stance indicates that the RBI is not rushing into rate cuts, keeping market expectations in check.

How global factors are influencing RBI outlook

The policy comes amid heightened global uncertainty, including fluctuations in crude oil prices and geopolitical tensions.

With oil prices showing signs of easing after recent volatility, the RBI may have more flexibility in managing inflation and supporting growth going forward.

Bottom line

The RBI’s latest policy reflects a balanced approach, keeping rates unchanged while signalling confidence in India’s growth trajectory. The upgraded GDP forecast provides a positive signal, but the neutral stance keeps the focus on evolving economic conditions.


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