By Pallab Bhattacharya
Newscript, August 18, 2025
Indian equities are poised to open stronger on Monday as easing concerns over Russian crude supplies filter through global energy markets. Diplomatic overtures between Washington and Moscow over the weekend have reassured investors that neither fresh sanctions nor retaliatory tariffs on Russian oil are imminent, a signal that has dampened fears of disruption to India’s lifeline imports.
Energy import costs remain India’s Achilles’ heel, with oil accounting for nearly 89 per cent of its consumption. Any volatility in supply often reverberates immediately in equity markets, squeezing the rupee and widening fiscal deficits. The latest developments have tempered anxieties, with futures on both the Nifty 50 and Sensex reflecting gains in early trading.
Market watchers said the prospect of stable crude flows offers breathing room to refiners such as Reliance Industries and Indian Oil Corporation, while downstream companies could see easing pressure on margins. Banking stocks are also expected to ride the wave, supported by improving liquidity sentiment.
Still, analysts caution that the geopolitical backdrop remains fragile. “The easing in oil supply fears may be temporary unless broader questions on sanctions, Middle East volatility and global shipping routes are resolved,” one Mumbai-based broker said. For now, however, the truce is enough to give Indian investors a reprieve.