Inflation Stable in February While Growth Moderates Slightly

• CPI inflation remained stable at 5.1% in February, matching January's rate • Food inflation rose moderately to 8.7% but slower core and fuel inflation provided an offset • Industrial production grew at a slightly slower pace of 3.8% in January vs 4.25% in December • Purchasing managers’ index shows manufacturing gained momentum in January and February • Analysts expect RBI to begin policy easing from Q3 as it monitors food prices and robust growth