BLOG / 🇮🇳 India / central bank policy · · daily

India Monetary Policy RBI MPC Decisions — March 06, 2026

India Monetary Policy & Rate Changes

By Gunpowder Editorial ·

5 high priority 5 total filings analysed

Executive Summary

RBI is actively managing liquidity with recent significant absorptions averaging ₹3.5 lakh Cr daily in late February via reverse repos/SDF, but signaling a shift to injection mode via ₹1,00,000 Cr OMO purchases in two tranches on March 9 and 13, 2026, amid neutral-to-positive sentiment. Forex reserves surged ₹43,649 Cr WoW and ₹10,38,235 Cr YoY to ₹6,627,548 Cr as of Feb 27, 2026, supporting rupee stability, while banking metrics showed QoQ contractions (deposits -0.4%, credit -0.2%, M3 -0.2% FoF) despite robust YoY growth (deposits 11.2%, credit 13.6%, M3 10.9%). Money market ops on March 5 indicated high overnight volumes at 4.84% but net absorption of ₹3,02,439.62 Cr and MSF usage of ₹2,193 Cr at 5.50%, with bank cash balances slightly above CRR. IndiGo's ratings reaffirmed at 'Crisil AA-/Positive' with ₹36,945 Cr liquidity, 6.6% YoY revenue growth to ₹62,524 Cr in 9M FY26, but EBITDAR margins declined to 20% from 24.1% amid disruptions. Portfolio-level trends highlight RBI's pivot from tightening to easing liquidity, potential downward pressure on yields, and aviation resilience despite margin pressures; no insider activity or capital allocation changes noted across filings.

Tracking the trend? Catch up on the prior India Monetary Policy RBI MPC Decisions digest from March 05, 2026.

Investment Signals (11)

  • RBI Money Market Ops (BEARISH)

    Overnight volumes high at ₹6,79,524.05 Cr (driven by triparty repo ₹4,68,130.95 Cr) at 4.84% WACR, but net absorption ₹3,02,439.62 Cr signals tight conditions

  • RBI Forex Reserves (BULLISH)

    Reserves up ₹43,649 Cr WoW and ₹10,38,235 Cr YoY to ₹6,627,548 Cr, with Gold reserves surging ₹37,529 Cr WoW

  • RBI Banking Data (NEUTRAL-BULLISH)

    Deposits fell 0.4% and credit 0.2% FoF to Feb 15 but grew 11.2% and 13.6% YoY respectively, M3 -0.2% FoF but +10.9% YoY

  • RBI OMO Auctions (BULLISH)

    ₹1,00,000 Cr liquidity injection via two ₹50,000 Cr tranches on March 9/13 targets easing financial conditions, positive sentiment

  • InterGlobe Aviation (IndiGo) (BULLISH)

    Revenue +6.6% YoY to ₹62,524 Cr in 9M FY26, ratings upgraded to 'Positive' outlook with ₹36,945 Cr liquidity as of Dec 31, 2025

  • RBI Money Market Ops (BEARISH)

    Bank cash balances ₹7,68,222.11 Cr slightly above avg CRR ₹7,63,554 Cr, MSF availed ₹2,193 Cr at 5.50% indicates mild stress

  • RBI Banking Data (BEARISH)

    RBI liquidity absorptions averaged >₹3.5 lakh Cr daily late Feb via reverse repos/SDF, demand deposits -3.6% FoF

  • InterGlobe Aviation (IndiGo) (BULLISH)

    Domestic market share recovered to ~64% Apr-Jan FY26 from 59.6% dip in Dec 2025, fleet age ~4.7 years with 80% Neo aircraft

  • RBI Forex Reserves (BEARISH)

    State Govts loans down ₹7,167 Cr WoW and ₹13,150 Cr YoY as of Feb 28

  • RBI OMO Auctions (BULLISH)

    Multiple price method auction on March 9 (results same day, delivery March 10) outperforms neutral liquidity absorption trend

  • RBI State Securities Auction (NEUTRAL)

    ₹45,960 Cr auction on March 10 across 17 states/UTs (e.g., Karnataka ₹8,000 Cr) supports state borrowing at stable tenors up to 23Y

Risk Flags (9)

  • RBI Money Market Ops/Liquidity [HIGH RISK]

    Net durable liquidity surplus down to ₹5,60,171 Cr as on Feb 15 from prior, with ₹3,02,439.62 Cr absorption on March 5

  • RBI Money Market Ops/Borrowing [MEDIUM RISK]

    MSF availed ₹2,193 Cr at 5.50%, GoI surplus cash at ₹0 Cr signals tight conditions

  • RBI Banking Data/Deposits [HIGH RISK]

    Aggregate deposits -0.4% and demand deposits -3.6% FoF to Feb 15, below YoY 11.2% trend

  • RBI Banking Data/Credit [MEDIUM RISK]

    Bank credit declined 0.2% FoF despite 13.6% YoY, M3 -0.2% FoF

  • InterGlobe Aviation (IndiGo)/Margins [HIGH RISK]

    EBITDAR margin down to 20% from 24.1% prior period in 9M FY26 amid forex losses/external challenges

  • InterGlobe Aviation (IndiGo)/Regulatory [MEDIUM RISK]

    ₹22.2 Cr fine + ₹50 Cr bank guarantee under ISRAS, ongoing Middle East disruptions monitorable

  • RBI Forex Reserves/State Loans [MEDIUM RISK]

    State Govts loans/advances down ₹7,167 Cr WoW/₹13,150 Cr YoY as of Feb 28

  • RBI Banking Data/Liquidity [HIGH RISK]

    Heavy absorptions >₹3.5 lakh Cr daily late Feb via reverse repos/SDF amid mixed sentiment

  • InterGlobe Aviation (IndiGo)/Debt [MEDIUM RISK]

    Net debt to EBITDAR at 2.0–2.1x FY26 expected, post-FDTL disruptions

Opportunities (8)

  • RBI OMO Auctions/Liquidity Injection (OPPORTUNITY)

    ₹1,00,000 Cr purchases March 9/13 via E-Kuber, positive sentiment for bond yields compression

  • RBI Forex Reserves/Buffer (OPPORTUNITY)

    YoY +₹10,38,235 Cr to ₹6,627,548 Cr supports rupee, Foreign Currency Assets +₹4,469 Cr WoW

  • InterGlobe Aviation (IndiGo)/Recovery (OPPORTUNITY)

    Ratings 'Crisil AA-/Positive' reaffirmed, liquidity ₹36,945 Cr, market share back to 64%

  • RBI State Securities Auction/Borrowing (OPPORTUNITY)

    ₹45,960 Cr on March 10 (e.g., AP ₹3,000 Cr, UP ₹3,500 Cr re-issue), up to 10% non-competitive for stability

  • RBI Banking Data/YoY Growth (OPPORTUNITY)

    Credit +13.6% YoY despite FoQ dip, positions banks for rebound post-liquidity easing

  • InterGlobe Aviation (IndiGo)/Fleet (OPPORTUNITY)

    Avg age 4.7 years, ~80% Neo aircraft supports cost efficiency amid demand recovery

  • RBI Money Market Ops/Volumes (OPPORTUNITY)

    High triparty repo ₹4,68,130.95 Cr drives overnight segment, potential for repo rate stability

  • RBI OMO Auctions/Timing (OPPORTUNITY)

    First tranche March 9 (9:30-10:30 am submission), results same day for quick yield plays

Sector Themes (6)

  • Liquidity Pivot from Absorption to Injection

    3/5 filings show recent tight liquidity (absorptions ₹3L+ Cr, MSF usage) but OMO ₹1L Cr injection positive outlier, implies RBI easing ahead [Bullish for rates-sensitive sectors]

  • Banking Metrics QoQ Contraction vs YoY Strength

    Deposits/credit/M3 down 0.2-0.4% FoF but +10.9-13.6% YoY across filing 2, with demand deposits -3.6%, signals short-term caution but structural growth [Mixed for banks]

  • Reserve Buildup and Gold Surge

    Forex reserves +₹43k Cr WoW/₹10L Cr YoY, Gold +₹37k Cr WoW outperforms other components, bolsters macro stability [Bullish for INR assets]

  • Auction Catalysts Cluster

    OMO (March 9/13) and State SDL (March 10) total ~₹1.46L Cr, neutral-positive sentiment vs absorption trend, opportunity for fixed income [Positive for bonds]

  • Aviation Margin Pressure Amid Recovery

    IndiGo sole company filing shows rev +6.6% YoY but margins -410 bps to 20%, market share rebound to 64% outlier in policy stream [Mixed for rate-impacted capex]

  • Neutral Liquidity Sentiment Dominates

    3/5 neutral/mixed, with OMO positive; bank balances/CRR near parity, no major surplus/deficit shift [Stable for money markets]

Watch List (8)

  • RBI OMO Auction Tranche 1
    👁

    ₹50,000 Cr on March 9 (submission 9:30-10:30 am, results same day) for liquidity injection quantum acceptance [March 9, 2026]

  • RBI State Securities Auction
    👁

    ₹45,960 Cr across 17 states on March 10 (bids 10:30-11:30 am, payment March 11), monitor allotment vs notified [March 10, 2026]

  • RBI OMO Auction Tranche 2
    👁

    Second ₹50,000 Cr on March 13, assess impact post-first auction on yields [March 13, 2026]

  • InterGlobe Aviation (IndiGo)/Regulatory
    👁

    Ongoing Middle East disruptions, ISRAS penalties (₹22.2 Cr fine + ₹50 Cr guarantee), post-FDTL exemption till Feb 10 [Ongoing]

  • RBI Money Market Ops/Daily
    👁

    Track MSF usage beyond ₹2,193 Cr and absorptions post-March 5, vs CRR ₹7,63,554 Cr [Fortnight to March 15, 2026]

  • RBI Banking Data/Fortnightly
    👁

    Deposits/credit trends post-Feb 15 FoF contraction, vs YoY growth [Next fortnight post-Feb 15]

  • InterGlobe Aviation (IndiGo)/Debt Metrics
    👁

    Net debt/EBITDAR 2.0-2.1x FY26 guidance amid forex losses [FY26 earnings updates]

  • RBI Forex Reserves/Weekly
    👁

    Gold reserves surge continuation post-₹37,529 Cr WoW, state loans decline [Weekly post-Feb 27, 2026]

Filing Analyses (5)
Unknown Rate Change neutral materiality 8/10

06-03-2026

RBI released money market operations data as on March 5, 2026, showing high overnight segment volume of ₹6,79,524.05 Cr at a weighted average rate of 4.84%, driven largely by triparty repo at ₹4,68,130.95 Cr. However, net liquidity from outstanding and today's operations indicated significant absorption of ₹3,02,439.62 Cr. Scheduled commercial banks' cash balances with RBI were ₹7,68,222.11 Cr, slightly above the average daily cash reserve requirement of ₹7,63,554 Cr for the fortnight ending March 15, 2026.

  • · MSF availed: ₹2,193 Cr at 5.50%
  • · Government of India Surplus Cash Balance as on March 5, 2026: ₹0 Cr
  • · Net durable liquidity surplus as on February 15, 2026: ₹5,60,171 Cr
Unknown Rate Change mixed materiality 9/10

06-03-2026

RBI's total foreign exchange reserves rose to ₹6,627,548 Cr as of Feb 27, 2026, up ₹43,649 Cr week-on-week and ₹10,38,235 Cr YoY. Scheduled commercial banks' aggregate deposits fell 0.4% and bank credit declined 0.2% over the fortnight to Feb 15, 2026, despite YoY growth of 11.2% and 13.6% respectively; similarly, M3 money supply contracted 0.2% fortnight-over-fortnight but expanded 10.9% YoY. RBI conducted significant liquidity absorptions, averaging over ₹3.5 lakh Cr daily in late February via reverse repos and SDF.

  • · State Governments Loans and Advances down ₹7,167 Cr week-on-week and ₹13,150 Cr YoY as of Feb 28, 2026.
  • · Foreign Currency Assets up ₹4,469 Cr week-on-week but Gold reserves surged ₹37,529 Cr week-on-week.
  • · Demand Deposits with Banks declined 3.6% fortnight-over-fortnight.
  • · RBI liquidity operations showed net absorptions ranging from ₹2,99,653 Cr to ₹4,24,652 Cr daily in late Feb-Mar 2026.
Unknown Monetary Policy positive materiality 9/10

06-03-2026

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced Open Market Operations (OMO) purchase auctions for Government of India securities totaling ₹1,00,000 crore, conducted in two tranches of ₹50,000 crore each on March 09, 2026, and March 13, 2026. The first auction on March 09 targets an aggregate of ₹50,000 crore across seven securities using the multiple price method, with no security-wise notified amounts. This liquidity injection aims to address current financial conditions, with results announced same day and securities delivery by noon on March 10.

  • · Auction submission window: 9:30 am to 10:30 am on March 09, 2026 via E-Kuber system.
  • · RBI reserves right to adjust quantum per security, accept less/more than aggregate, or reject offers.
  • · Successful participants must ensure SGL account availability by 12 noon on March 10, 2026.
  • · Maturity dates: 21-Jul-2030, 12-Jul-2031, 14-Aug-2033, 16-Sep-2034, 5-May-2035, 18-Nov-2039, 19-Jun-2053.
InterGlobe Aviation Limited Company Update mixed materiality 9/10

06-03-2026

CRISIL Ratings reaffirmed InterGlobe Aviation Limited (IndiGo)'s long-term bank facilities rating at 'Crisil AA-/Positive' and short-term at 'Crisil A1+', removing them from 'Rating Watch with Developing Implications' due to swift operational recovery post-FDTL phase-II disruptions and strong liquidity of ₹36,945 Cr as of Dec 31, 2025. Revenue from operations grew 6.6% YoY to ₹62,524 Cr in 9M FY26, supported by healthy passenger demand, however EBITDAR margin declined to 20% from 24.1% in the prior period amid external challenges and forex losses. Domestic market share recovered to ~64% for Apr-Jan FY26 after dipping to 59.6% in Dec 2025, while ongoing Middle East disruptions and regulatory penalties (₹22.2 Cr fine + ₹50 Cr bank guarantee under ISRAS) remain monitorable.

  • · Ratings placed on 'Watch Developing' on Dec 08, 2025, due to flight disruptions; DGCA FDTL phase-II exemption till Feb 10, 2026.
  • · Net debt (considering free cash) to EBITDAR ratio expected at 2.0–2.1x in FY26.
  • · Fleet average age ~4.7 years as of Dec 31, 2025; ~80% Neo aircraft.
  • · ISRAS involves phased release of ₹50 Cr bank guarantee over 15 months tied to DGCA verification.
Unknown Rate Change neutral materiality 8/10

06-03-2026

Reserve Bank of India announced an auction of State Government Securities for an aggregate face value of ₹45,960 Crore from 17 states/UTs including Andhra Pradesh (₹3,000 Cr), Karnataka (₹8,000 Cr), and Uttar Pradesh (₹3,500 Cr in re-issues). The auction will be conducted on March 10, 2026 via E-Kuber system, with results announced the same day and payment on March 11, 2026. Up to 10% of each stock's notified amount will be allotted via non-competitive bidding, with minimum bid ₹10,000.

  • · Auction timing: Competitive bids 10:30 A.M. to 11:30 A.M., non-competitive 10:30 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. on March 10, 2026
  • · Tenors include 3Y (Tamil Nadu), 4Y (Haryana), up to 23Y (Kerala)
  • · Interest payment half-yearly on September 11 and March 11
  • · Eligible for SLR and ready forward facility

Get daily alerts with 11 investment signals, 9 risk alerts, 8 opportunities and full AI analysis of all 5 filings

🇮🇳 More from India

View all →