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India is strategically balancing its trade with China, aiming to boost domestic manufacturing and exports while reducing reliance on Chinese inputs. The nation is building resilient supply chains and increasing its export capacity, though a complete decoupling remains unfeasible. Efforts are underway to diversify sourcing and address the widening trade deficit.

Indian equity markets experienced a significant downturn, with the top ten most-valued firms losing over Rs 2 lakh crore. Tata Consultancy Services and Reliance Industries bore the brunt of this decline, influenced by geopolitical tensions and weak IT sector commentary. The broader market also saw substantial drops in benchmark indices.

Global tensions in West Asia, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz, are driving market volatility and influencing crude oil prices. Investors are also closely watching corporate earnings, with key results due this week, alongside crucial US economic data and the Federal Reserve’s policy decision.

India and New Zealand are set to sign a Free Trade Agreement on April 27, aiming to boost bilateral trade to $5 billion within five years. The pact will offer duty-free access for many Indian exports, benefiting sectors like Agra’s leather industry. New Zealand gains tariff reductions on key products, while India protects sensitive agricultural

India’s agriculture ministry anticipates stable wheat production for the 2025-26 crop year, despite localized weather disruptions. While an industry estimate suggests lower output, the ministry highlights increased acreage, early sowing, and improved seed varieties as factors compensating for adverse weather, ensuring resilient national production.

Nvidia’s stock hit a record high, surpassing $5 trillion in market value, driven by immense investor confidence in artificial intelligence chips. This surge follows strong performance from other chipmakers and a broader tech sector rebound, despite earlier concerns. With AI demand showing no signs of slowing, Nvidia remains a key player in the global race.

The US has slapped a hefty 123.04% anti-dumping duty on Indian solar cells and modules, citing “critical circumstances.” This, combined with existing duties, makes US shipments unviable. However, Indian solar firms have already diversified exports to Europe and West Asia, mitigating the immediate impact. The industry plans to challenge the “flawed” findings.

Axis Bank’s Q4 FY26 net profit dipped slightly to Rs 7,071 crore, impacted by higher provisioning and lower trading gains. Despite this, core interest income saw steady growth, fueled by a significant 19% rise in net advances, particularly in corporate and SME segments. The bank also reported improved asset quality and strong capital adequacy ratios.

RBL Bank’s net profit surged by a remarkable 234% to Rs 230 crore in the March quarter, fueled by robust income growth and a significant reduction in provisions. The bank witnessed a healthy 7% rise in total income, supported by strong advances and deposit expansion. Asset quality also showed marked improvement, with gross NPAs falling