RBI Cuts Rates to Shield Growth from Trump’s Tariff Impact

RBI Slashes Interest Rates to Protect Economy from Trump’s Tariff Fallout

Written by: Supriya Kadu

Edited by: Pinky Deshmukh

Last Updated: April 10, 2025

RBI lowers repo rate by 25 basis points and prioritizes growth concerns over inflation amid U.S. tariff pressures.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has slashed the repo rate by 25 basis points to 6.00%, marking its second straight rate cut. This is a response to the growing economic uncertainty triggered by Donald Trump’s recently announced 26% tariffs on Indian imports, which are expected to hamper India’s export performance and economic growth.

According to RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra, the central bank is more worried about how these levies may affect GDP growth than inflation, which is still under control. He cautioned that such large-scale trade swings can lower investments and consumption, and slacken India's economy as a whole. Moreover, the RBI changed its forecast for GDP growth in 2025–2026 from 6.8% to 6.5%.

In a notable policy shift, the RBI changed its monetary stance from "neutral" to "accommodative", opening the door for further rate cuts if necessary. Making a small adjustment of 4% on inflation prediction suggests short-term stability.

Our Finance Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman, praised the initiative taken by the central bank and urged to the government and the RBI to work together to address the problems caused by the rise in protectionism around the world.

In general, this rate cut is seen as a preventative measure to safeguard India's growth prospects as the nation prepares for the potential effects of ongoing trade disputes around the world.