India, March 26 -- Indian shares fell sharply on Wednesday as caution set in ahead of the April 2 U.S. tariff deadline.

Rising oil prices amid near-term supply tightness also prompted investors to book profits at higher levels after recent string of gains, fueled by foreign capital inflows and optimism about improving domestic macroeconomic conditions.

There's an elevated baseline anxiety in the markets despite U.S. President Donald Trump hinting at tariff flexibility for some countries.

It is feared that potential U.S. tariff policies could fuel inflation and further strain global trade. Also, deteriorating U.S. consumer confidence in the face of tariff fears pointed to a stagflationary scenario, where economic growth slows while inflat...