RBI seen in no rush to press rate hike pedal, decision may get deferred to second half of FY27

Economists are increasingly pushing back expectations of a Reserve Bank of India (RBI) interest rate hike, with many now seeing any tightening only in the second half of FY27 rather than in the near term. The shift in outlook is driven by easing inflation risks, supported by expected foreign currency inflows and a recent fall in crude oil prices after geopolitical developments.