Reserve Bank of India Governor Sanjay Malhotra on Friday said key policy rates are expected to remain at low levels for a prolonged period and could soften further going ahead.

The remarks came after the central bank decided to keep the repo rate unchanged at 5.25 percent in its bi-monthly monetary policy review, while maintaining a neutral policy stance.

Speaking at the post-policy press conference, Malhotra said the policy rates will continue to remain low for an extended period and may move lower over time, reflecting the RBI’s accommodative approach amid prevailing economic conditions.