Maharashtra has imposed stringent curbs on fashion and e-commerce for 15 days to slow rising coronavirus infections. Maharashtra accounts for about a quarter of India's 13.5 million COVID-19 cases. Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray ordered most establishments and public places to close in the state except those which are deemed essential, including grocery shops, hospitals, banks and stock exchanges.

The curbs are likely to hit auto companies like Tata Motors, Bajaj Auto and Mahindra & Mahindra which operate factories in the state. E-commerce deliveries will be allowed but only for essential products, the government said, a decision that will affect deliveries and online ordering on companies like Amazon.com Inc and Walmart's Flipkart.

The restrictions will jolt businesses in Maharashtra but also risk having a broader impact on the Indian economy. The state accounts for nearly 15 per cent of India's gross domestic product, making it crucial for the country's economic recovery after months of slowdown.

Maharashtra had already shut down restaurants, bars, gyms, theatres and non-essential stores last week, a move some industry groups had warned will cause economic losses of billions of dollars.