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Indian equity markets are likely to make cautious start on Friday, amid weak global cues. Traders are likely to remain cautious after U.S. President Donald Trump announced a new round of tariffs, saying the United States will impose a 100 percent tariff on imported branded drugs, 25 percent tariff on imports of all heavy-duty trucks and 50 percent tariff on kitchen cabinets. 

Some of the key factors to be watched:

Indian team back from US after holding trade talks: The private report said that the Indian team has returned from the US after holding trade talks with their American counterparts in New York. The talks are taking place at various levels, encompassing both trade and non-trade issues.

India's logistics cost estimated at 7.97% of GDP: Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) report said that the country's logistics cost is estimated at 7.97 per cent of India's gross domestic product (GDP) in 2023-24.

Indian banks should aim to be among world's top ten: Union Home Minister Amit Shah said Indian banks should not merely plan for growth, but change their scale and aspire to be among the world's top ten.

India's resilience stands out amid increased global uncertainties: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said India's resilience stands out due to its strong macroeconomic fundamentals amid increasing global uncertainties.

Food processing sector will be in focus: Union Minister Chirag Paswan said India's food processing sector is expected to attract investment proposals of more than Rs 1 lakh crore during the World Food India summit in the national capital. 

On the global front: The US markets ended in red on Thursday, as uncertainty about the outlook for interest rates continue to weigh on investors’ sentiments. Asian markets are trading mostly in red on Friday, as investors also awaited a key U.S. inflation due later.

Back home, Indian equity benchmarks ended with losses for the fifth consecutive day on Thursday, as investors booked profits amid relentless foreign fund outflows and uncertainty over the US H-1B visa fee. A weak trend in global peers also hit the investor sentiment. Finally, the BSE Sensex fell 555.95 points or 0.68% to 81,159.68 and the CNX Nifty was down by 166.05 points or 0.66% to 24,890.85.

Some of the important factors in trade:

GST reform to positively impact on Indian economy by promoting ease of doing business: RBI bulletin said the GST reform will have a positive impact on the Indian economy by promoting ease of doing business, lowering retail prices, and strengthening consumption growth drivers. 

India, Australia sign agreement for trade in organic products: The commerce ministry has said that India and Australia have signed an agreement to facilitate trade of organic products including wine and agri produce in each other's countries. 

Cabinet approves Rs 69,725 crore package to revitalize India’s shipbuilding, maritime ecosystem: Recognizing the strategic and economic importance of the maritime sector, the Union Cabinet has approved a comprehensive package of Rs 69,725 crore to revitalise India's shipbuilding and maritime ecosystem.

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