RBI’s two-day forum puts AI risks on rates agenda

The Reserve Bank of India opened Samvad 2026, a two-day international seminar for central banks, in New Delhi on Monday, with Governor Sanjay Malhotra giving the welcome address. Reaction pending.

Union Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Nirmala Sitharaman delivered the keynote address, the central bank announced. Officials said the forum brings together central bank governors, senior policymakers, international organizations and subject-matter experts.

AI joins monetary policy agenda

The central bank said discussions will cover monetary policy, Artificial Intelligence in finance, financial inclusion, financial stability and payment systems. The agenda links conventional rate-setting questions with technology and market-infrastructure issues that now affect how policy moves through banks, payments networks and borrowers.

Officials said the seminar is intended to promote dialogue and cooperation among central banks as they face changing economic and technological conditions. Participants are expected to exchange views on strengthening financial systems, promoting inclusive growth and using technology to improve the efficiency of financial services.

Sitharaman said governors, deputy governors and senior officials from central banks attended alongside representatives of multilateral development institutions, regulatory authorities and senior financial-services leaders. The central bank said the format gives policymakers a venue to compare experience and practices on issues that have become more important for central banks.

The immediate policy effect appears limited, with no rate decision or operational change announced. The next marker is the second day of Samvad 2026 on Oct. 20, when further discussions are scheduled under the two-day program.