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India's GDP growth slows to 6.7% year-on-year, prompting banks to revise growth expectations

Summary

India’s GDP growth has slowed to 6.7% year-on-year in the second quarter, prompting major financial institutions like Bank of America, Goldman Sachs, and Deutsche Bank to revise their growth expectations downward. Despite this slowdown, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) maintains a positive outlook, projecting a growth rate of 7.2% for the current year.

The slowdown in GDP growth raises concerns about the sustainability of India’s economic expansion, especially as it faces challenges from both domestic factors and shifting global investment dynamics. The RBI’s governor, Shaktikanta Das, remains optimistic about the underlying economic momentum, citing strong consumer spending and construction growth as key drivers. However, he acknowledges that achieving growth rates comparable to China’s historic performance will require careful consideration and substantial structural changes. As China repositions itself to attract investment, India must navigate these complexities to maintain its growth trajectory and fulfill its ambitions of becoming a developed economy by 2047.

Economic Indicators and Revisions

  • GDP Performance: India’s GDP growth fell to a 15-month low of 6.7%, leading to revised forecasts from major banks.
  • RBI’s Stance: The RBI continues to project a growth rate of 7.2%, emphasizing strong consumer spending and construction sectors.
  • Global Context: As China seeks to regain investor confidence, India’s ability to attract foreign investments may be challenged.

Future Outlook

The RBI’s shift to a “neutral” stance on interest rates opens the possibility for future cuts, reflecting concerns about economic growth. With inflation remaining below target levels, the central bank’s decisions will be closely watched as they navigate the balance between fostering growth and controlling inflation in an evolving economic landscape.

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