Indian stocks extended their losing streak for the eighth consecutive trading session on Friday, February 14, as trade tensions escalated further after U.S. President Donald Trump directed his economic team on Thursday to formulate plans for reciprocal tariffs on every country that imposes taxes on U.S. imports.
Although the imposition of these duties is likely to be delayed, concerns that India could be significantly impacted by reciprocal tariffs have kept investors on edge. Trump had earlier criticized India’s high tariffs on U.S. products.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Trump on Thursday and offered to discuss easing tariffs, increasing purchases of U.S. oil and gas, and negotiating deals for combat aircraft and other concessions. However, this failed to boost market sentiment, as bulls remained on the sidelines.
Investors are also worried about the impact of tariffs on the Indian rupee and U.S. interest rates, which analysts believe could lead to more outflows from emerging markets, including India. Overseas investors have already pulled out ₹1.12 lakh crore in under two months of 2025.
