New Delhi: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Thursday released its April 2026 monthly Bulletin, highlighting global supply disruptions and mixed domestic trends while pointing to overall resilience in the Indian economy.
The Bulletin carries the latest bi-monthly monetary policy statement issued on April 8, along with speeches, analytical content, and updated statistical data. Among key changes, the Consumer Price Index table has been revised to reflect the new base year (2024=100) and now includes a measure of core inflation, excluding food and fuel components, the RBI said in a press release.
In its assessment of the economy, the Central Bank noted that escalating tensions in West Asia disrupted global supply chains in March, though conditions showed some improvement in early April. Despite external headwinds, domestic economic activity remained steady across several sectors, even as certain segments recorded a slowdown.
Inflation saw a marginal uptick in March, primarily driven by food and fuel prices. Financial markets responded to geopolitical developments, with money market conditions and bond yields easing following a temporary ceasefire in the region.
On the external front, a decline in imports coupled with growth in exports helped reduce the trade deficit to a nine-month low. However, capital flows remained uneven, with foreign portfolio investment showing volatility, while net foreign direct investment turned positive in February.
The RBI clarified that the views presented in the “State of the Economy” article reflect the authors’ analysis and do not represent the official stance of the Central Bank.
