** India's Nifty auto index .NIFTYAUTO trades 1.1% higher, leading gains among 16-major sub indexes
** Benchmark Nifty 50 index .NSEI rises 0.4% over U.S.-India trade negotiations optimism and ahead of the Federal Reserve's rate decision .BO
** Mahindra and Mahindra MAHM.NS climbs 1.2%, followed by Maruti Suzuki MRTI.NS and TVS Motor TVSM.NS, up ~1% and 1.2%
** Auto companies are seeing early signs of demand recovery on improved sentiment ahead of goods and services tax cuts, analysts at Nomura said
** The cuts have translated into immediate benefits for buyers and firms are reporting stronger enquiries, surge in bookings and an improved outlook for festive demand - Nomura
** MAHM is Nomura analysts' top pick
** The auto index is up ~18% so far in 2025 vs 6.5% rise in Nifty 50