The RBI Raised Rates. Then It Softened the Sting
Description
The Reserve Bank of India has raised the repo rate and shifted its stance to “calibrated tightening”, signalling that rate cuts are unlikely even as future policy decisions remain data-dependent. But what does this mean for inflation, growth, borrowing costs and liquidity in the banking system?
In this episode of How India’s Economy Works, journalist and author Puja Mehra speaks with Madan Sabnavis, Chief Economist at Bank of Baroda, about the RBI’s latest monetary policy decision. Sabnavis explains why he had argued for delaying the rate hike, why he expects further increases, and how the RBI could manage the large surplus liquidity created by FCNR deposits.
They also discuss India’s dependence on foreign capital, the role of domestic savings in financing growth, why net FDI flows have remained lacklustre, and whether India can remain insulated from global financial conditions. Sabnavis also explains why economic forecasts are becoming increasingly dynamic as economists rely on high-frequency data and constantly changing global conditions.
Tune in for insights on interest rates, inflation, liquidity, foreign capital, domestic savings and India’s growth outlook.
CHAPTERS
(00:00 ) RBI Monetary Policy Review Introduction
(00:43 ) Contrarian Views on Rate Hike
(03:42 ) Defining Calibrated Tightening Monetary Stance
(05:12 ) Global Spillovers Versus Domestic Realities
(06:37 ) Capital Formation and External Funding
(08:36 ) Managing Systemic Surplus Banking Liquidity
(10:47 ) Dynamics of Modern Economic Forecasting
(12:50 ) Unanimous Vote and Key Surprises
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