GDP To Grow At 7.2% In FY25, CPI Inflation To Moderate At 4.5%: RBI

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has projected India's real gross domestic product (GDP) growth for the current financial year (FY25) at 7.2 per cent, while consumer price index (CPI) inflation for the fiscal year is expected to moderate to 4.5 per cent, post Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting on Wednesday.

RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das said, “Real GDP growth for 2024-25 is projected at 7.2 per cent. With Q2 at 7 per cent, Q3 at 7.4 per cent and Q4 7.4 per cent. Real GDP growth for Q1 of next financial year that is 2025-26 is projected at 7.3 per cent and the risks are evenly balanced.”

According to RBI Governor, growth for the fiscal year will be supported by robust quarterly performances. However, Inflation in the third quarter is forecasted a little higher at 4.8 per cent, with further moderation anticipated in the fourth quarter when the kharif harvest comes. However, RBI cautions that agricultural output remains susceptible to weather-related shocks, which could influence inflationary trends.

In contrast to India's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth for the first quarter of FY25, Das said, “Real GDP grew by 6.7 per cent in the first quarter of this financial year, that is, 2024-2025, and this was led by a revival in private consumption and improvement in investment. The share of investment in GDP reached its highest level since 2012-2013. Government expenditure, on the other hand, contracted during the first quarter.”

He added, “On the supply side, gross value added, that is, GVA, expanded by 6.8 per cent, surpassing the GDP growth, aided by strong industrial and services sector activities. High-frequency indicators available so far suggest that domestic economic activity continues to be steady.”

On the liquidity front, surplus conditions prevailed in August, September, and early October, though liquidity levels shifted back in late September. However, the agriculture and services sectors remained strong, and government consumption showed signs of improvement. Private investment intentions are also improving, reflecting growing confidence in the economy.

Das said, "MPC noted that currently, the macroeconomic parameters of inflation and growth are well balanced." However, he cautioned that while headline inflation is on a downward trajectory its pace is slow, “Headline inflation is on a downward trajectory, though it's pace has been slow and uneven. Going forward the moderation in Headline inflation is expected to reverse in September and likely to remain elevated in near term due to adverse base effect among other factors.”

Das stated, offering some optimism for relief, “Food inflation pressure could see some easing later in the financial year on the back of strong kharif sowing adequate buffer stock and good soil moisture conditions. Domestic growth has sustained its momentum with private consumption and investment growing in tandem.”

He also pointed out that domestic growth has continued to show resilience, driven by private consumption and investment. "Resilient growth gives us the space to focus on inflation to enable its durable descent to the 4 Percent target. The MPC decided to remain watchful of the evolving outlook in the coming months", he added. (ANI)