MUMBAI — Indian stock markets ended sharply lower Monday as escalating tensions involving the United States, Israel and Iran rattled global markets and triggered broad-based selling across sectors.
The NSE Nifty 50 fell 1.24 percent, or 312.95 points, to close at 24,865.70. The BSE Sensex dropped 1.29 percent, or 1,048.34 points, to settle at 80,238.85 — its lowest level since September 2025.
While both indices trimmed some losses from intraday lows, they remained firmly in negative territory by the close.
Technical analysts said the Nifty faces immediate support at 24,600.
“A decisive breakdown below this level could trigger a deeper correction in the market. On the higher side, resistance is seen at 25,000,” one analyst said.
“Until the Nifty sustains above 25,000, overall sentiment is likely to remain tilted in favour of the bears,” another expert added.
Among the 30 Sensex constituents, Bharat Electronics Ltd. (BEL), Sun Pharma and ITC were the only stocks to end in positive territory. InterGlobe Aviation, which operates IndiGo, led the losses with a 6.25 percent decline.
Other major laggards included Maruti Suzuki India, Asian Paints, Bajaj Finserv and Reliance Industries.
Investor anxiety was reflected in the India VIX, the volatility index, which surged 25.01 percent to 17.13, signaling heightened market fear.
Broader markets underperformed the headline indices. The Nifty MidCap index fell 1.58 percent, while the Nifty SmallCap index declined 1.75 percent.
Sectorally, auto and oil and gas stocks bore the brunt of the sell-off. The Nifty Auto index was the worst performer, ending 2.20 percent lower. In contrast, the Nifty Metal index managed to buck the trend, closing 0.24 percent higher despite the broader weakness.
Market participants said rising geopolitical uncertainty has made investors more cautious, prompting reduced risk-taking and profit booking across segments.
“Market sentiment remained heavily dented amid escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, with risks now translating into visible economic concerns across sectors,” an analyst said. (Source: IANS)
