Strong Credit Momentum in FY26, Deposit Growth Also Rises: RBI

Apr 17 (BNP): Bank lending in India picked up strong momentum in FY26, with credit expanding by 16.08% year-on-year, marking its fastest growth since FY24, when growth had crossed 20%, according to Reserve Bank of India (RBI) data.

Deposits also showed healthy traction, rising 13.47% YoY—its strongest pace in the same period. Total bank credit stood at ₹213.61 trillion, while deposits reached ₹262.30 trillion.

In the fortnight ended March 31, credit rose sharply by 2.8% (₹5.92 trillion), compared with a marginal 0.1% increase in the previous fortnight. Deposits grew even faster during the same period, up 4.87% (₹12.18 trillion). However, analysts noted that year-end figures may appear elevated due to changes in RBI reporting dates.

Market experts said credit growth has improved in recent months, led by strong demand from corporates, MSMEs, and retail borrowers, particularly in segments like gold loans. Lower lending rates have also encouraged companies to shift back to bank borrowing, as bond market yields remained relatively high.

According to industry experts, external funding avenues such as overseas borrowing have become costlier due to elevated global yields and currency volatility, further boosting reliance on domestic bank credit.

Data shows major lenders including State Bank of India, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, Axis Bank, and Kotak Mahindra Bank have reported strong growth across corporate and MSME loan segments.

Analysts also pointed out that bond market activity has remained subdued due to higher yields, while tighter global financial conditions have constrained external commercial borrowing. This has further strengthened banks’ role as key lenders in the system.

However, experts cautioned that sustaining this pace of credit growth will require stronger deposit mobilisation, as rising credit demand is already creating pressure on liquidity and balance sheets. Banks have increasingly relied on certificate of deposits (CDs) to bridge funding gaps, with issuances rising sharply during FY26.

Overall, while credit momentum remains strong, analysts expect banks to focus on deposit growth and funding stability to support sustained lending expansion going forward.

Suzuki Motorcycle India Concludes Suzuki Matsuri in Mumbai, Creating Four Records in India and Asia Book of Records

Mumbai, April 17: Suzuki Motorcycle India Pvt. Ltd. (SMIPL), the two-wheeler subsidiary of Suzuki Motor Corporation, Japan, successfully concluded the Mumbai edition of its flagship motorcycling festival, Suzuki Matsuri, at Mulund in Mumbai. The celebration not only brought together nearly 4,000 two-wheeler riders & enthusiasts but also created history by setting four records recognised by the India Book of Records (IBR) and Asia Book of Records (ABR).

At the event, SMIPL achieved the record for the Largest Gathering of a Single Scooter Model at One Location, with 390 Suzuki Burgman customers coming together with their scooters. Additionally, SMIPL also marked another record for the Maximum Single Model Scooter Delivered in a Single Day, as 175 new Suzuki Burgman scooters were delivered to customers at the event. Both achievements stand as a testament to the Suzuki Burgman’s growing popularity and the strong trust it enjoys among customers.

Speaking about the success of the Mumbai edition, Mr. Deepak Mutreja, Vice President Sales, Marketing, Suzuki Motorcycle India Pvt. Ltd., said,

“Suzuki Matsuri is a celebration of the riding community and their passion for two-wheelers. Setting two prestigious records at this year’s Mumbai edition is a proud moment for all of us and reflects the strong connect we share with our customers. The overwhelming participation and enthusiasm reaffirm our commitment to delivering value-packed products and meaningful experiences. We will continue to engage closely with riders to build an inclusive riding culture in India.”

Event Highlights

Designed as a community-led celebration, Suzuki Matsuri in Mumbai featured a mix of experiences and engagement zones, creating a festival-like atmosphere throughout the day. A major highlight was the customer-led launch of the New Suzuki Burgman Street, which drew strong interest from nearly 4,000 attendees. Further elevating the excitement, SMIPL showcased the globally renowned Suzuki Burgman 400, giving participants a close look at Suzuki’s international maxi-scooter legacy and engineering excellence.

Participants explored curated riding zones featuring the New Burgman Street, Access ABS, e‑Access, and V‑Strom SX, while the celebration extended beyond riding with a Suzuki Parade, professional stunt performances, and interactive sessions with customers. Engagement zones such as tattoo booths, graffiti walls, merchandise booth, and cosplay artists, along with high‑energy performances by Khaanzadi and DJ Lady Barot, completed the festive experience.

Suzuki Matsuri continues to strengthen its position as a unique platform that goes beyond products bringing together people, experiences, and the spirit of motorcycling under one roof.

 

India Advancing Green Hydrogen and Nuclear Energy to Boost Clean Power Capacity

New Delhi, Apr 17 (BNP): India is steadily strengthening its position in the global clean energy transition through a combination of policy support, technological development, and industry participation, Union Minister Jitendra Singh said on Thursday.

Addressing the World Hydrogen Energy Summit alongside the World Petrocoal Congress in New Delhi, he said India is pursuing a balanced energy strategy that integrates sustainability with energy security, while advancing across multiple sectors including green hydrogen, nuclear energy, and renewables.

The Minister highlighted that India is actively developing indigenous capabilities in key technologies such as electrolyzers and is encouraging greater public-private collaboration to accelerate innovation and scale-up clean energy solutions.

He noted that under the National Green Hydrogen Mission, the country is targeting large-scale adoption of alternative fuels to decarbonise industries such as steel and cement, while also working to reduce production costs through domestic manufacturing.

On nuclear energy, he said India is aiming for 100 GW of capacity by 2047 under its Nuclear Energy Mission, along with development of small modular reactors, including indigenous projects currently in progress.

Dr. Singh also pointed to planned investments in the oil and gas sector and efforts to expand exploration areas, while increasing the share of natural gas in the energy mix as part of a broader transition strategy.

He added that emerging sectors such as electric mobility, battery recycling, and renewable manufacturing are creating new green job opportunities and supporting India’s shift toward a low-carbon economy.

Overall, the Minister said India’s demographic strength, innovation ecosystem, and policy direction position it as a key player in global decarbonisation efforts while ensuring long-term energy security.

India’s Global GDP Share Likely to Reach 7pc by 2050, Says McKinsey

New Delhi, Apr 17 (BNP): India’s share of the global economy is projected to grow steadily over the long term, reaching around 7% by 2050, according to a report by McKinsey & Company.

The report attributes this expected rise to a combination of factors, including strong domestic demand, ongoing structural changes in the economy, and the expanding role of private capital and alternative investment markets. These developments, it notes, are helping unlock new sources of funding for businesses and supporting broader economic expansion.

It also highlights India’s demographic advantage, rapid urbanisation, and accelerating digital adoption as key drivers that could strengthen growth momentum in the coming decades.

At the same time, McKinsey cautions that maintaining this trajectory will depend on sustained reforms, productivity improvements, and deeper integration with global trade and investment flows.

Overall, the findings underline India’s growing weight in the global economy, with the country expected to play a more prominent role in shaping global growth trends by mid-century.

India Pushes Trade Expansion as Piyush Goyal Holds Talks with South Korea and Austria

New Delhi, Apr 17 (BNP): India continues to broaden its global economic engagement, with Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal holding discussions with senior leadership from South Korea and Austria aimed at strengthening trade, investment, and business cooperation.

The discussions focused on expanding bilateral economic ties, improving market access, and identifying new areas of collaboration across sectors such as manufacturing, technology, innovation, and sustainable development.

According to officials, the engagements are part of India’s ongoing effort to diversify its trade partnerships and attract long-term foreign investment, particularly as global supply chains continue to shift. Both sides also explored ways to boost business-to-business linkages and encourage greater private sector participation.

India is actively positioning itself as a reliable and competitive investment destination while seeking deeper integration with major economies in Asia and Europe. The latest diplomatic outreach reflects New Delhi’s intent to build more balanced and resilient global economic relationships.