RBI MPC Member: Negligible Chance of Rate Hike Despite Inflationary Pressure

• RBI MPC member Saugata Bhattacharya states negligible chance of benchmark interest rate hike in near term.
• Inflationary pressure is building due to geopolitical tensions, weather risks, rising metal and crude oil prices.
• MPC unanimously voted to keep repo rate at 5.25 percent; RBI maintained neutral policy stance.
• No signs of economy overheating despite multiple stimulus measures; RBI cut rates by 125 basis points since February 2025.
• Credit offtake improving across sectors, including large corporates, mid-corporates, MSMEs, and NBFCs.