RBI Holds Steady, Crude Flares, Textiles Surge: India's Market at a Geopolitical Crossroads

Strong broad-based rally of 4–6% across Vardhman Textiles, Gokaldas Exports, KPR Mill, Pearl Global, Trident, and others — catalysed by the government's cotton import duty exemption, which directly addresses raw material cost pressure and margin recovery expectations.

Mixed signals: Reliance Industries gained on a lignite gasification project with NLC India in Gujarat; Inox Clean Energy announced ₹1 trillion in renewables and battery investment by 2030; however, Coal India fell over 6% on Centre's OFS of up to 2% stake, reflecting dilution and supply overhang concerns.

IndiGo (InterGlobe Aviation) rallied ~5% despite a ₹2,536 crore Q4 loss attributed to Middle East conflict disruptions; analysts at Goldman Sachs and Jefferies cited India's strong domestic demand and long-term growth strategy as reasons to look through the near-term loss.

Rising Brent crude above $93 adds cost pressure across oil-linked sectors; Indian Oil raised commercial LPG by ₹42. Asian Paints reported a Q4 rebound with FY26 standalone sales up 4.3%, though sustained crude and crude-derivative cost inflation remains a margin watch factor for the paints space.