India Better Placed for Oil Shocks Amid Mideast Tensions: Swati Khemani

• Carnelian Capital's Swati Khemani states India is better positioned to absorb crude oil shocks despite Middle East tensions, citing pragmatic energy management during past conflicts.
• Khemani is highly bullish on sectors like Banks, CDMO, Consumption, and Manufacturing, expecting rerating for select pharma exporters and capital goods companies.
• India's defence budget for FY26 is Rs 6.81 lakh crore (1.9% of GDP), with a clear government direction for increased spending, indigenisation, and private sector participation, aiming for 2.5% of GDP.
• India's economic growth story remains strong, with stable fiscal health, corporate balance sheets, and household leverage, expecting growth to pick up across sectors.
• Women's participation in Indian equity markets has surged post-2020, now accounting for 20-25% of new demat accounts and 33% of mutual fund AUM, driven by financial literacy and digital adoption.