New Delhi, Apr 5 (UNI) Terming the status quo in policy rates and inflation as major focus area of the Reserve Bank of India as “moderate”, the industry and financial experts hailed the policy, saying the policy REPO rate unchanged at 6.5 per cent and its assertion to remain focussed on moderating inflation shows a resolve on the part of the central bank to ensure price stability for a long term sustained economic growth.

Prashant Pimple CIO, Baroda BNP Paribas, said "The Monetary policy was a moderate one in light with headwinds across oil, US treasuries as well as geopolitical tensions. The RBI MPC clearly maintained focus on price stability whereby covering inflation as well as foreign exchange stability.”

Industry association ASSOCHAM also echoed similar views saying “We stand by RBIs' commitment for ‘unwavering focus on price stability' to ringfence the economy from global headwinds including geo-political situation and the resultant supply chain disruptions.”

RBI has successfully shielded the economy from global uncertainties over the past few years, ASSOCHAM Secretary General Deepak Sood said.

RBI acknowledged that inflation has come down “but the task is not yet over”. As the uncertainties in food prices continue to pose challenges, the MPC remains vigilant to the upside risks to inflation that might derail the path of disinflation.

Dinesh Khara, Chairman, SBI, said “Tracking the market expectation of the status quo, the monetary policy statement is an affirmation of goldilocks for India with high growth and low inflation in FY25 and FY26. Consumers' confidence in urban households continues to improve, while Rural Demand remains upbeat.

Prashant Pimple further said that the RBI remains “nimble and vigilant” in terms of banking system liquidity and “we expect the financial conditions to remain comfortable with overnight rates closer to repo rate.”

ASSOCHAM added that having witnessed a real GDP growth of 7.6 per cent for the fiscal 2023-24, the RBI's projection of seven per cent economic expansion in FY25 is reassuring, as it comes on the back of a high base of growth numbers. Robust consumer demand across different sectors of the economy makes India stand out as growing at the fastest pace amongst the major economies of the world.

Venkatraman Venkateswaran, Group president and CFO at Federal Bank, said "Monetary Policy Committee of RBI maintained Repo Rate at 6.5%, which was on expected lines. Whilst there is expectation of normal monsoon, food price uncertainties along with rising oil prices will determine the timing of rate cuts.

“Strong manufacturing and services PMI and healthy corporate balance sheets provide confidence on economy and growth prospects,” he added.

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