Indian stocks rise after Sitharaman signals openness to transaction tax discussions

Nirmala Sitharaman: Nirmala Sitharaman serves as India's Finance Minister, leading the country's fiscal policy, budget preparations, taxation framework, and economic reforms. In mid-October 2026, she participated in the Bloomberg New Economy Forum in New Delhi, where she addressed investor concerns about securities transaction tax and long-term capital gains tax. Her comments expressing willingness to hear debates on the transaction tax directly preceded gains in Indian stock markets as investors interpreted them as a signal of potential openness to adjustments ahead of the February budget. Market Reaction: Indian equities rose following her remarks at an international economic forum acknowledging investor discussions on share trading taxes. Tax Policy Engagement: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman stated she would carefully consider ongoing debates around securities transaction tax and capital gains taxation while preparing the next Union Budget.