El Niño's impact extends beyond agriculture, affecting food prices, groundwater levels, and rural spending. A weak monsoon increases electricity demand for irrigation while straining hydropower resources. Poor harvests could lead to higher food inflation, which would challenge the Reserve Bank of India's ability to balance inflation control with economic growth. Rural incomes and demand for goods like two-wheelers and cement are also expected to decline, creating a ripple effect across the economy. The situation underscores the vulnerability of India's economy to climate shocks.