Sanjay Malhotra has been appointed as the 26th Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), taking over from Shaktikanta Das. His term officially begins on December 11, 2024, marking a significant leadership change in India's central bank. Malhotra, previously the Secretary of Revenue in the Ministry of Finance, is a seasoned bureaucrat with over 30 years of experience.

This appointment comes at a critical time as India faces economic challenges, including a slowdown in growth, with GDP expanding by only 5.4% in the July-September quarter. As the head of the RBI, Malhotra will be tasked with navigating monetary policies to stimulate growth while ensuring inflation remains under control. There are already calls from government leaders to reduce interest rates to boost economic activity. Malhotra's tenure is welcomed by multiple challenges provided rupee falling after the US elections, dollar gaining strength and FPIs selling stocks. 

Malhotra's expertise and understanding of India's financial systems are expected to guide his decisions effectively. He holds a degree in Computer Science from IIT Kanpur and a Master’s in Public Policy from Princeton University, showcasing a blend of technical and policy-oriented skills. 

This leadership transition is seen as pivotal for India's economic trajectory, as Malhotra sets out to balance growth priorities and financial stability in the world's fastest-growing major economy​.