Sanjay Malhotra

In its December policy meeting, the Reserve Bank of India had reduced the repo rate by 25 basis points from 5.50% to 5.25%. At the same time, it retained a neutral policy stance.

RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra said maintaining financial stability, resilient institutions and prudent regulation remains central to safeguarding the economy from external shocks.

Since he took over as Reserve Bank of India Governor a year back, Sanjay Malhotra has walked the fine line between sustaining growth and safeguarding stability. At the RBI's headquarters in Mumbai, he spoke to Group Editorial Director Raj Chengappa and Managing Editor M.G. Arun on a range of economic issues, like why he considers the economy to be in a Goldilocks phase, how the repo rate cuts will push demand, whether the RBI has any plans to shore up the weakening Indian rupee, and more. Excerpts:

India's economy will not remain in this Goldilocks moment forever. The challenge is to convert this statistical sweetness into sustained, inclusive growth.

An 8.2 per cent growth in GDP in Q2 of FY26, along with benign inflation, has placed the Indian economy in a unique sweet spot. Can it put the country on a high-trajectory growth path, give the job market a much-needed boost?

Is the current exuberance in the economy a momentary surge, or does it signal a structural reboot that could extend into the next few quarters? And what more needs to be done to keep the momentum going? Here's what the Board of India Today Economists (BITE) think

RBI governor Sanjay Malhotra said the decision took into account low inflation and the impressive second quarter GDP growth—a “Goldilocks” moment for the economy

RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra said the committee unanimously agreed on the rate cut after assessing inflation trends, growth forecasts and liquidity needs.

Is your FD income set to shrink as banks prepare to reduce deposit rates after the RBI’s rate cut? Let's have a look.

The rate cut takes the repo rate down from 5.5% to 5.25%. Alongside this, the Standing Deposit Facility (SDF) rate has been adjusted to 5%, while the Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) rate and the bank rate now stand at 5.5%.

Earlier this year, the RBI cut the repo rate by 100 basis points across three rounds, supported by falling inflation. But the backdrop has now shifted.

In its October meeting, the MPC kept the repo rate steady at 5.5% for a fourth straight time. RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra had then said that inflation had moderated sharply, giving the committee confidence to maintain its stance.

RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra dismissed jitters over US tariffs imposed under Donald Trump, saying India’s domestic-driven economy can withstand trade pressure.

India has seen supportive fiscal measures this year, including changes in income tax slabs and GST cuts, which are expected to boost consumption during the festive season.

The S&P BSE Sensex surged 660.64 points to 80,928.26, while the NSE Nifty50 rose 185.70 points to 24,796.80 as of 12:10 PM. The rally was broad-based on Dalal Street.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) kept the key repo rate unchanged at 5.5% as the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), led by Governor Sanjay Malhotra, concluded its three-day meeting. The central bank also maintained its neutral stance.

Sidharth Malhotra appeared on The Great Indian Kapil Show to promote his film Param Sundari. He shared heartfelt stories about his new role as a father, bringing warmth and laughter to the episode.

RBI kept the repo rate steady at 5.5% and warned that US tariffs and global supply issues could quickly change the outlook.

ICICI Bank has raised the minimum balance from Rs 10,000 to Rs 50,000. In semi-urban branches, it has gone up from Rs 5,000 to Rs 25,000. In rural branches, the requirement is now Rs 10,000.

The three-day meeting concluded with Governor Sanjay Malhotra outlining the central bank’s views on inflation, growth, and importantly, the growing global trade tensions triggered by tariff announcements, especially by the United States.