Will India's GDP Growth Hold Steady at 6.5% with Another Rate Cut This Fiscal?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- India's GDP growth is projected at 6.5%.
- Private consumption is on the rise.
- Tax reforms are aiding economic stability.
- Repo rate cuts will reduce interest rates.
- Global factors like US tariffs could impact exports.
New Delhi, Sep 29 (NationPress) Crisil, a prominent global rating agency, has forecasted that India's gross domestic product (GDP) will witness a growth rate of 6.5 percent this fiscal year, driven by increasing private consumption and beneficial tax reforms.
The uptick in private consumption is expected to bolster industrial production.
"To date, a plentiful monsoon, strong kharif sowing, and manageable inflation have positively impacted the rural economy. The repercussions of excessive rainfall on agricultural output will be closely monitored. The urban sector is set to benefit from reduced lending rates, tax relief, and a streamlined goods and services tax (GST)," stated Crisil.
Repo rate reductions by the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) are anticipated to lower interest rates throughout the economy.
The 100 basis points of rate cuts implemented in 2025 have already eased bank lending rates, although the effects are still being transmitted.
"The staggered CRR reduction of 100 basis points took effect with a 25 bps cut in September, with three additional cuts planned that will enhance liquidity in the forthcoming months. We anticipate another repo rate cut this fiscal," the report elaborated.
The GST relief is likely to stimulate consumption but will depend on the degree of passthrough.
"However, a slowing global economy results in diminished export growth, and tariffs imposed by the US further exacerbate this challenge. The impact of a 50 percent tariff from the US on India will begin to manifest from September. Ongoing negotiations for a trade deal with the US could mitigate some of this impact," it added.
An above-average south-west monsoon is anticipated to enhance rural incomes and contribute to reduced food inflation.
Decreased inflation should encourage discretionary spending. As of September 27, national rainfall was recorded at 108 percent of its long-term average.
Nonetheless, the effects of excessive rainfall on agricultural output this season warrant close attention, the report concluded.