RBI Keeps Rates Steady at 5.25% Amidst Inflation and Growth Forecast Cuts

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) maintained interest rates at 5.25% while raising its inflation forecast by 50 basis points to 5.1% for the financial year ending March 2027. The growth outlook was tempered to 6.6%, down from a previous estimate of 6.9%. The Indian rupee has weakened over 6% year-to-date against the US dollar, trading at 95.78. The RBI is facing challenges due to surging global energy costs and potential weather-related disruptions linked to El Nino, which may affect food prices and agriculture.