By Swati Bhat

MUMBAI (Reuters) -The Reserve Bank of India is widely expected to hold its key policy rate at 5.50% on Wednesday, though some economists say a surprise cut cannot be ruled out as it weighs the impact of U.S. trade tariffs and subdued inflation.

A Reuters poll showed nearly three-quarters of economists expected a pause, but major banks including Citi, Barclays, Capital Economics and SBI have flagged the possibility of a cut citing downside risks to growth and a benign inflation outlook.

The RBI has cut rates by 100 basis points since the start of the year, but private investment remains weak and financial conditions tightened after the August policy meeting, when the central bank held rates and retained a neutral stance.

The October meeting is “live” again, Citi economists

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