Sensex soars 400 points, Nifty at 25,200 on the day India and US revive trade talks

Indian markets stayed firm in the green on Tuesday (16 September) as Sensex and Nifty extended their winning run in afternoon trade, supported by hopes of a breakthrough in India–US trade talks. By midday, the Sensex climbed 433.53 points (0.53 per cent) to 82,219.27, while the Nifty added 127.35 points (0.51 per cent) to 25,196.55.

Market breadth was positive, with 2,284 stocks advancing, 1,359 declining and 155 unchanged.

The rally was broad-based, helped by improved risk appetite and lower volatility: the India VIX eased, signalling greater stability and investor confidence.

At the open, the Sensex began at 81,867.30 (up 0.10 per cent), the Nifty opened at 25,101 (up 0.13 per cent) and the Nifty Bank started at 54,898.80 (up 0.02 per cent).

Investors also watched global signals ahead of the US Federal Reserve’s policy decision later that day — markets largely expect a 25 basis-point rate cut, but the Fed’s forward guidance is likely to be the main market driver.

India and the United States have restarted trade talks in New Delhi following a tense spell.
The discussions, headed by US Trade Representative Brendan Lynch, focus on tariffs, energy imports and market access, after negotiations on the Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) were halted weeks earlier when President Donald Trump imposed new tariffs on Indian imports.