(Reuters) -The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) kept its key repo rate steady at 5.50% on Wednesday, in line with expectations, as policymakers waited to see the impact of recent rate cuts and assessed risks from higher-than-expected U.S. tariffs.

The six-member rate-setting panel held the policy rate in a unanimous vote and decided to continue with a “neutral” stance.

Global trade challenges continue to linger but prospects for the Indian economy remain “bright”, Governor Sanjay Malhotra said in his statement.

A large majority of economists, 44 of 57, had forecast a pause in a July 18–24 Reuters poll, following a surprise 50 basis point cut in June.

RANEN BANERJEE, PARTNER AND ECONOMIC ADVISORY LEADER, PWC INDIA, GURUGRAM

“The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) has rightly pushed the pause b

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