Author name: Archana Chettiar

On April 2, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump declared “Liberation Day,” unveiling a series of tariffs aimed at addressing perceived trade imbalances. This initiative introduces a 10% baseline tariff on imports from all countries, with higher reciprocal tariffs targeting specific nations. India faces a 26% tariff on its exports to the U.S., a measure intended to counterbalance India’s 52% tariff on U.S. goods. These tariffs are set to take effect on April 5, 2025. The announcement has prompted varied reactions globally, with concerns about potential economic repercussions and shifts in international trade dynamics. Let’s explore in detail. 

In a dramatic turn of events, global markets tumbled as U.S. President Donald Trump announced sweeping tariffs on multiple foreign goods, triggering fears of escalating trade wars and economic stagnation. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 futures fell sharply, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average plunging over 1,000 points in a single trading session. Major U.S. tech giants such as Apple, Amazon, and Nvidia saw a significant dip in their stock values due to their exposure to international supply chains, which are now at risk of higher costs and trade restrictions (Business Insider).

On Tuesday, April 1, 2025, India’s stock markets experienced their most significant opening-day decline for a financial year in five years. The NSE Nifty dropped by 353.65 points (1.5%) to close at 23,165.70, while the BSE Sensex fell by 1,390.41 points (1.8%), ending at 76,024.51.

Vodafone Idea Ltd. (VI) witnessed a sharp rally in its stock price on April 1, 2025, surging over 20 percent following the company’s announcement regarding the government’s increased stake. The Government of India will now hold 48.99 percent of the telecom company’s shares, up from 22.6 percent, after converting outstanding spectrum dues worth Rs 36,950 crore into equity.

The Indian stock market in FY25 was characterized by significant fluctuations, driven by a combination of domestic and global factors. The BSE Sensex rose by 5.1%, while the NSE Nifty 50 gained 5.34%. A substantial portion of these gains occurred in March 2025, when the Nifty 50 surged 6.3%, marking its best monthly performance in 15 months.