The MPC voted unanimously to reduce the rate under the liquidity adjustment facility, which also revised the standing deposit facility (SDF) rate to 5% and the marginal standing facility (MSF) and Bank Rate to 5.50%, while maintaining a neutral stance.
The RBI said the global economy is holding up better than expected, with trade flows normalising and uncertainty easing, though inflation remains uneven and markets volatile. In India, growth strengthened to a six-quarter high in Q2 FY26, supported by robust domestic demand, buoyant industry and services, lower crude prices, tax rationalisation, front-loaded government capex and supportive financial conditions. Early Q3 indicators remain firm on the back of strong rural demand, steady urban recovery, healthy investment and rising capacity utilisation, even as exports weaken amid subdued global demand. The central bank added that benign inflation, solid corporate and financial sector balance sheets and ongoing reforms should continue to support growth despite external risks.
The RBI raised its real GDP growth forecast for FY26 to 7.3% from 6.8% earlier, expecting 7% growth in Q3 and 6.5% in Q4. For Q1 and Q2 FY27, growth is projected at 6.7% and 6.8%, respectively.
The CPI inflation forecast for FY26 was lowered to 2% from 2.6%, with expectations of 0.6% in Q3 and 2.9% in Q4. CPI for Q1 and Q2 FY27 is projected at 3.9% and 4%.
The MPC noted that headline inflation has eased sharply due to exceptionally benign food prices, while core inflation has softened and is expected to stay anchored near the 4% target in the first half of FY27.
The committee said the balance between growth and inflation continues to offer policy space to support economic momentum.
The minutes of the meeting will be published on 19 December, and the next MPC meeting will be held from 4 to 6 February 2026.
Following the announcement, the Nifty Bank index gained 0.36% to 59,499.35, while the Nifty 50 index rose 0.27% to 26,103.25.
Among bank stocks, AU Small Finance Bank rose 0.94%, followed by HDFC Bank at 0.93%, Punjab National Bank at 0.83%, IDFC First Bank at 0.71%, State Bank of India at 0.68%, Kotak Mahindra Bank at 0.37%, ICICI Bank at 0.31% and Canara Bank at 0.20%.
In contrast, Bank of Baroda slipped 0.03%, Federal Bank declined 0.27%, IndusInd Bank fell 0.71% and Axis Bank dropped 0.83%.
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