The RBI's MPC is likely on an extended policy pause after its recent rate cut, with further easing possible only if inflation stays consistently low. ICICI Bank's report notes the MPC will assess new GDP/CPI series in February before any decision.
ICICI Bank Expects Extended Policy Pause
The Reserve Bank of India's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) is likely to remain on an extended policy pause after its recent rate cut, with any further monetary easing contingent on inflation consistently undershooting its current trajectory, ICICI Bank's Economic Research Group has asserted, after analysing the minutes of the December monetary policy.
"We expect MPC to be on an extended pause. Any additional easing is possible only if inflation prints are consistently below current trajectory. In February, MPC would like to assess the impact of the new GDP and CPI series on the headline numbers," the ICICI Bank report read.
Easing Contingent on Inflation, New Data Series
The minutes of the December MPC meeting, released on Friday, indicated that inflation has turned increasingly benign.
"Further rate cuts from here are possible only if inflation continues to remain well below estimates going forward. In terms of the timing, the MPC is expected to keep status quo in February, as it would like to assess the impact of the new series of GDP and CPI on the headline numbers. In the meantime, the RBI would continue to provide adequate liquidity (OMO purchase/FX swaps) to ensure transmission onto lending rates," the ICICI Bank report read.
MPC members noted that further easing would be considered only if inflation prints remain persistently below projections. With headline inflation expected to hover around 4 per cent going into FY27, the current real interest rate is already close to the lower end of the RBI's estimated comfort range, limiting room for aggressive action In the near term, the MPC is likely to maintain status quo at its February policy meeting, as it seeks to assess the impact of the upcoming new GDP and CPI series on headline macroeconomic indicators.
Concerns Over Growth Momentum
MPC members emphasised the importance of recalibrating policy assessments once the revised statistical series are incorporated into growth and inflation readings.
The minutes also reflect growing concerns over a moderation in growth momentum, particularly in the second half of FY26. High-frequency indicators such as PMI, industrial output and export data point to some slack in economic activity, even as global and domestic growth outcomes have so far exceeded expectations.
While benign inflation, supported by favourable food production prospects and subdued global oil prices, was the primary driver behind the recent rate cut, some external members cautioned that prolonged low inflation could hurt profit margins and investment decisions, especially for smaller enterprises.
The MPC members, as per the minutes, stressed that future policy actions would be carefully balanced between supporting growth and preserving macroeconomic stability.
Overall, the MPC's stance suggests a shift towards data-dependent policymaking, with liquidity measures expected to continue supporting transmission, even as interest rates are likely to remain unchanged in the coming months unless inflation dynamics change materially.
December Policy Review and Economic Outlook
In line with expectations, the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) cut policy rates by 25 basis points (bps) in its December meeting. It maintained its neutral policy stance.
Revised Projections Amid Strong Growth
The RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra characterised India's current macroeconomic moment as a "rare goldilocks period", that currently marks high economic growth and exceptionally low inflation.
GDP growth rose to a six-quarter high of 8.2 per cent year-on-year in the second quarter of fiscal 2026, from 7.8 per cent in the previous quarter, fuelled by robust consumption and aided by the GST rate rationalisation exercise of September 2025. Nominal GDP growth slowed to 8.7 per cent from 8.8 per cent.
Taking all factors into account, the RBI raised its GDP growth projection at 7.3 per cent for the full year, up by half a percentage point.
The RBI revised its CPI inflation forecast for 2025-26 to just 2.0 per cent, down from previous estimates of 2.6 per cent. (ANI)
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