With today's cut, the RBI lowered the key interest for third time in a row to a level last seen in September 2010.

The RBI's move to lower the repo rate met economists' estimates. Two-thirds of 66 economists in a poll conducted by news agency Reuters ahead of the release of GDP data had expected the Monetary Policy Committee to announce a 25-basis-points cut in the repo rate to 5.75 per cent.

The reduction comes as a relief to borrowers as equated monthly instalments (EMI) for home loans, car loans and other loans are set to come down.

However, depositors would earn less on their bank investments.

Many economists had expected the central bank to switch to an "accomodative" stance.

“Liquidity in the banking system has seen a movement from deficit to positive zone. It is important to see this situation continues to ensure credit transmission,” said Lakshmi Iyer, chief investment officer (debt) and head products, Kotak Mahindra Asset Management Company. (What experts say)

In a press conference after the release of the policy statement, Mr Das said that the central bank would ensure a "faster and higher" transmission by commercial banks to pass on the benefit of lower interest rates to their customers.

"The change in stance was a bit of a surprise. Debt markets will take this as a significant positive move though most of the rate cut cycle is probably over. The tone of the RBI policy was dovish and highlights the concerns on growth," said Suvodeep Rakshit, senior economist at Kotak Institutional Equities.

The Reserve Bank of India lowered its GDP growth target for financial year 2019-20 to 7 per cent, from 7.2 per cent in April.