The Government of India is preparing for the next round of consolidation of public sector banks (PSU banks) with the goal of creating large, globally competitive lenders. The aim is to support India’s long-term economic ambitions and achieve the vision of a developed India by 2047. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has emphasized the need for several large, world-class banks to raise capital, compete globally, and finance large infrastructure and development projects.
Currently, India has 12 public sector banks, with the State Bank of India (SBI) being the largest, ranking 43rd among the world’s top 50 banks. PSU banks account for nearly 60% of the country’s total banking business, making them strategically important in India’s financial system. The government is considering merging small and mid-sized PSU banks with larger lenders, with banks such as Indian Overseas Bank, UCO Bank, and Bank of Maharashtra potentially being merged with larger banks like SBI, Punjab National Bank, or Bank of Baroda.
This is not the first round of consolidation in the Indian banking sector. Since 2017, the number of PSU banks has decreased from 27 to 12 through a series of mergers. Key mergers include the merger of United Bank of India and Oriental Bank of Commerce with Punjab National Bank, and the merger of Dena Bank and Vijaya Bank with Bank of Baroda. SBI has also absorbed five associate banks and Bharatiya Mahila Bank, expanding its balance sheet and branch network.
In addition to consolidation, the government is also progressing with the strategic disinvestment of IDBI Bank. The Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM) Secretary has indicated that the transaction is expected to be completed by March 2026. The government had sold a 51% stake in IDBI Bank to LIC in 2019, and the remaining stake is now slated for sale to private investors. The goal of these efforts is to create a stronger and more competitive banking sector that can support India’s economic growth and development.