Economy

Sitharaman stressed that it is becoming difficult to ignore the evidence that global fund flows are now "as political as they are economic."

Brokerages highlight that the deal could materially enhance Indias competitiveness versus other emerging markets, support both labour-intensive and high-value manufacturing sectors.

Asian stocks rose following a Wall Street rally, led by Nikkei's 5.7% surge after Prime Minister Takaichi's election win, boosting market optimism and cyclicals over tech.

Oil prices fell as easing Middle East tensions reduced supply disruption risks, with Brent below sixty eight dollars and WTI near sixty three dollars a barrel.

Chief Economic Adviser V Anantha Nageswaran said the rupee is unlikely to continuously weaken and could benefit from improved global sentiment and policy support.

He added that although the upside momentum was visible, revisions to the official GDP forecast would require patience.

The remarks come amid a broader push by New Delhi to deepen trade ties, diversify supply chains and expand export opportunities across goods and services.

India and the US have finalised a framework for the first phase of the bilateral trade agreement, which is expected to be signed by mid-March.

PM Modi called on businesses in Malaysia to explore the opportunities offered by India, particularly in the areas of infrastructure, renewable energy, digital technology, semiconductors, AI, and healthcare, among others.

The capex estimate for FY27 is 4.4% of the GDP, the highest ever.

The Finance Minister said, "We want the committee to tell us what kind of things we need to do so that banking is made available for funding Viksit Bharat."

US President Donald Trump on Friday signed an executive order rescinding a punitive 25% duty on all imports from India, saying the move followed New Delhi's commitment to stop imports of Russian oil.

The Budget proposal, which offers a tax holiday of 20 years up to 2047 to any foreign company that procures data centre services in India, allays fears of their global income being taxed by Indian authorities.

The US had last year in December launched 'Pax Silica', a strategic initiative to build a secure, prosperous, and innovation driven silicon supply chain-from critical minerals and energy inputs to advanced manufacturing, semiconductors, AI infrastructure, and logistics.

PM Ibrahim said Malaysia could secure more ways and opportunities to collaborate with India to extend trade beyond $18 billion in 2025.

The state government is focusing more on policy-led growth, and its Global Capability Centres Policy, Gems And Jewellery Policy, and Bamboo Industry Policy are among the best in the country, he said.

Investors and policymakers are gearing up for a busy week of US economic reports that includes arguably the two most consequential data snapshots.

The highlight of the conclave was the government's firm stance on the newly negotiated India-US trade framework.

As per Goyal,the overall exports from farm produce from India and marine products is about Rs. 5 lakh crores ($55 billion), and India continues to import produce worth about Rs. 2.7 lakh crore ($30 billion).

Sitharaman stressed that trade agreements are not just about tariff lines but about providing predictability and market access for Indian businesses.