NEW DELHI: Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Shaktikanta Das has received an “A+” rating in the Global Finance Central Banker Report Cards for the second consecutive year. 

PM Narendra Modi congratulated Governor Das for achieving the highest rating among central bank chiefs.

The annual assessment, conducted by Global Finance magazine, evaluates the performance of central bank governors from nearly 100 key economic regions worldwide.

Das shares the top honor with only two other central bankers: Christian Kettel Thomsen of Denmark and Thomas Jordan of Switzerland. The grading system, which ranges from “A+” to “F”, considers factors such as inflation control, economic growth, currency stability, and interest rate management.

In a post on X, PM Modi said, “Congratulations to RBI Governor @DasShaktikanta for this feat, and that too for the second time. This is a recognition of his leadership at the RBI and his work towards ensuring economic growth and stability.”

Global Finance founder and editorial director Joseph Giarraputo highlighted the challenging economic landscape faced by central bankers in recent years. “Central bankers have waged war against inflation, wielding their primary weapon: higher interest rates,” Giarraputo said. He noted that these efforts are now bearing fruit, with many countries experiencing significant drops in inflation rates.

The Central Banker Report Cards, a tradition since 1994, aim to recognize bank leaders who have demonstrated exceptional strategy and resilience in steering their economies. Giarraputo emphasized that the top grades are awarded to those who “outperformed their peers through originality, creativity and tenacity.”

This recognition comes at a time when central banks worldwide are navigating complex economic terrains, balancing the need to control inflation with fostering economic growth. Das’s consecutive top ratings suggest that the RBI’s policies under his leadership have been particularly effective in managing these challenges in the Indian context.

Global Finance, established in 1987, is a respected voice in international financial circles, with a readership spanning 193 countries. The magazine’s assessments are closely watched by senior corporate and financial officers responsible for major investment and strategic decisions in multinational companies and financial institutions.