NEW DELHI (The Thursday Times) — India’s equity markets closed lower for a fourth consecutive session on Thursday, weighed down by weak global cues, persistent foreign fund outflows, and growing concern over potential United States sanctions that could sharply disrupt global oil trade.
According to Reuters, benchmark indices were dragged down by losses in metal, information technology, and oil and gas stocks, as investors remained cautious amid mounting geopolitical and trade-related uncertainty.
Market sentiment deteriorated further after US President Donald Trump publicly backed legislation that could impose tariffs of up to five hundred percent on countries purchasing Russian oil. The proposed measure has been acknowledged by US Senator Lindsey Graham, who said the bill was intended to dramatically raise the cost of doing business with Moscow.
Analysts warn that if enacted, the legislation would have consequences far beyond Russia. India, which has sharply increased imports of discounted Russian crude in recent years, could face higher energy costs, pressure on its trade balance, and renewed inflationary risks.
Foreign institutional investors continued to pull money from Indian equities, compounding losses already driven by global risk aversion and concerns over slowing growth in major economies. The sustained outflows have intensified volatility, particularly in sectors exposed to global commodity and trade flows.
Market participants said uncertainty over energy prices and the future of global trade rules was likely to keep investors on edge in the near term. Until clarity emerges on US policy and broader geopolitical developments, analysts expect Indian equities to remain under pressure.
