geopolitical tensions

India's jewellery exports saw a significant drop in April. geopolitical tensions in West Asia and market uncertainty impacted sales. Exports of cut and polished diamonds, lab-grown diamonds, and gold jewellery declined. However, silver jewellery exports experienced a substantial surge. This trend reflects global economic and political influences on the sector.

Russian President Vladimir Putin will attend the BRICS summit in New Delhi on September 12-13. Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov confirmed his participation in the national capital. This visit marks a significant diplomatic event for India amidst global geopolitical shifts and growing BRICS collaboration. Details on his schedule are anticipated.

The Indian rupee continued its decline against the US dollar, falling 18 paise to 96.38 amid rising crude oil prices and Middle East tensions. The currency has lost over 5% since late February, with concerns over geopolitical instability and foreign portfolio investor outflows pressuring its value.

Indian markets brace for a volatile week, with the US-Iran conflict and soaring crude oil prices dominating investor sentiment. A weakening rupee, coupled with inflation concerns, adds to the pressure. Analysts anticipate heightened sensitivity to geopolitical developments, especially concerning the Strait of Hormuz, and will closely watch foreign investor activity and upcoming economic data.

Kanye West's highly anticipated India concert in New Delhi has been officially cancelled due to security concerns raised by the Indian government amid a high-alert situation. Organizers cited safety as their top priority, respecting official advisories. The show, initially postponed to May 2026 due to geopolitical tensions, will now not proceed as planned.

The UAE sought a joint military response from Gulf nations against Iran after Tehran's attacks, but Saudi Arabia and Qatar refused, citing it as "not their war." This disagreement strained UAE ties with its neighbors and contributed to Abu Dhabi's growing frustration with regional partners.

Oil prices surged over 2% on Monday, driven by escalating Middle East tensions and stalled de-escalation efforts. Reports of a nuclear power plant attack and potential US military options against Iran further unsettled markets. Both Brent and WTI crude saw significant gains, continuing a sharp rally from the previous week.

Foreign investors have continued their withdrawal from Indian equities, with net outflows reaching Rs 27,048 crore this month. This selling spree, totaling Rs 2.2 lakh crore in 2026, is driven by global macroeconomic uncertainty, geopolitical tensions, and a stronger US dollar making developed markets more attractive.

Chinese President Xi Jinping invoked the "Thucydides Trap" during talks with US President Donald Trump, highlighting concerns that the rising power's growth could lead to conflict with the established dominant power. This theory, popularized by Graham Allison, suggests structural tensions make war more likely, a concept now central to global geopolitical debates involving trade wars and technological competition.

GFX Matter (Price comparision)

The Indian Rupee hit a record low of 95.63 against the US dollar amid escalating geopolitical tensions and fragile investor sentiment. Intensifying Middle East conflict, rising oil prices, and sustained foreign fund outflows are pressuring the currency. This economic uncertainty is also reflected in a significant dip in domestic stock markets.

The Indian rupee hit an all-time low against the US dollar on Wednesday, pressured by soaring oil prices and rising US Treasury yields. geopolitical tensions and potential global rate hikes further weakened emerging market currencies. Analysts warn of continued pressure on the rupee, with forecasts revised upwards. Reserve Bank of India interventions helped curb the decline.

The Indian rupee hit a record low of 96.70 against the US dollar on Tuesday, extending its losing streak to eight sessions. Rising crude oil prices, foreign fund outflows, and a strong dollar due to global risk aversion are key factors. Forex traders also cited supply-chain disruptions. The Reserve Bank of India's intervention and import restrictions might offer some support.

Iran is betting it can outlast President Trump's term in high-stakes negotiations, employing brinkmanship and economic pain tolerance. Analysts warn this strategy, centered on weaponizing the Strait of Hormuz, risks escalating into renewed war if Iran overplays its hand.

US staff and press accompanying President Trump reportedly discarded materials from Chinese officials before departing Beijing. This occurred despite public displays of goodwill, as behind-the-scenes tensions over security and media access surfaced during the visit, echoing past diplomatic friction.

Indian markets brace for volatility this week, driven by US-Iran tensions and crude oil price swings. Investors will also scrutinize crucial inflation data from India and the US for interest rate clues. Key corporate earnings are also on the radar, alongside foreign investor activity, shaping market sentiment.

Rupee hit a fresh record low of 96.07 against the US dollar on Friday, extending its losing streak over three straight sessions amid soaring crude oil prices and escalating tensions in West Asia. At the interbank foreign exchange market, the rupee opened at 95.86 against the US dollar and slipped further to 95.94, down 30 paise from its previous close.

Wall Street's market sentiment has shifted from 'TACO' (Trump Always Chickens Out) to 'NACHO' (Not A Chance Hormuz Opens), reflecting growing pessimism about the Strait of Hormuz crisis. Investors now anticipate a prolonged period of elevated oil prices and shipping risks, moving away from assumptions of a quick resolution.

The Sensex tumbled over 1,000 points to slip below the 74,300 mark, while the Nifty 50 dropped more than 300 points to trade under 23,350. The steep decline erased nearly Rs 7 lakh crore from the total market capitalisation of BSE-listed companies, reducing it to around Rs 454 lakh crore.