Archive · 23 Jul 2025
RBI's Rate Cuts Fail to Revive Lending in India
The central bank lowered interest rates to encourage banks to lend more money, hoping to boost the economy.
However, it hasn't worked as expected.
Lending to individuals and businesses has slowed down.
This is due to past actions to curb excessive lending, and businesses are hesitant to borrow more because of uncertainties in the economy.
Although interest rates are going down, banks are slow to pass on these savings, and businesses are finding cheaper ways to get money elsewhere.
Therefore, even with lower interest rates, companies aren't borrowing more, slowing down overall economic growth.
RBI cut the repo rate to boost lending but bank credit growth slowed.
RBI tightened lending norms for unsecured loans and NBFCs, slowing lending.
Personal and service sector loan growth has significantly decreased.
Banks have reduced lending rates but transmission is slow due to deposit mix.
Uncertainty in global trade and domestic demand affects corporate borrowing.
- Who
- Reserve Bank of India and Indian Banks.
- What
- RBI's rate cuts are not sparking lending revival in India.
- When
- Since February 2025.
- Where
- India
- Why
- Uncertainties about global trade and domestic demand are impacting borrowing.
Proponents of rate cuts
Opponents of aggressive lending
Impact of Rate Cuts on Borrowing
Proponents of rate cuts
Lower interest rates make it cheaper to borrow, stimulating the economy.
Opponents of aggressive lending
Uncertainty around global trade and low demand impact corporate borrowing.
- Repo Rate Cut
- 0.50 percentage point
- Bank Credit Growth (y-o-y)
- 9-11% (2025)
- NBFC Loan Growth (y-o-y)
- 5.7% (March 2025)
- Personal Loan Growth Peak
- 30% (November 2023)
- MCLR Reduction (HDFC Bank)
- 9.4% to 9.05%
- Gross NPA
- 2.3%