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Some of the key factors to be watched:

India's forex reserve hikes for seventh week: Reserve Bank of India (RBI) said that India's foreign exchange reserves rose $8.310 billion to $686.145 billion in the week that ended on April 18, extending gains for the seventh straight week.

RBI Governor Malhotra asks US industry to invest in India: Reserve Bank Governor Sanjay Malhotra has exhorted the US industry to invest in India, stressing that the country continues to be the fastest growing major economy supported by policy consistency and certainty.

India, Netherlands discuss ways to boost trade, investments: Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal said that India and European nation Netherlands have discussed ways to boost trade and investments ties during his visit to Hague, Netherlands.

Engineering goods exports hits $116.7 billion in 2024-25: Registering a year-on-year growth of 6.74 per cent, engineering goods exports from India reached its all-time high of $116.67 billion in fiscal 2024-25, surpassing the previous high of $112.10 billion achieved in fiscal 2021-22.

India's net direct tax collection narrowly missed target for FY25: Government official said that India's net direct tax collection for the 2024-25 financial year narrowly missed the target of Rs 22.37 crore, even as it grew 13.57 per cent to over Rs 22.26 lakh crore, due to issuance of the highest-ever amount of refunds. 

On the global front: The US markets ended in green on Friday as traders continued to keep a close eye on the developments on the trade front, with President Donald Trump refuting China's claims that the two countries have not held any trade negotiations.  Asian markets are trading mixed on Monday amid easing tariff tensions between the United States and China.

Back home, Indian equity benchmarks ended lower for the second consecutive session on Friday, primarily weighed down by escalating geopolitical tensions between India and Pakistan. Finally, the BSE Sensex fell 588.90 points or 0.74% to 79,212.53, and the CNX Nifty was down by 207.35 points or 0.86% to 24,039.35. 

Some of the important factors in trade:

Indian firms should avoid re-routing of goods from China to US: The Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) has said domestic exporters should not use India as a destination for re-routing goods originating from high-tariff countries like China to the US. 

India-Pakistan trade will come to complete halt: Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) has said that with Pakistan suspending all trade ties with India, including that routes through third countries, the two-way commerce will now come to a complete halt.  

India, South Africa discuss possibility of settlement of trade in local currency: The commerce ministry said India and South Africa have discussed possibility of settlement of trade in local currency and unified payment linkage system with a view to further strengthen economic ties.

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