Indian benchmark equity indices ended lower on Tuesday as escalating tensions in West Asia and reports of fresh US strikes in southern Iran weakened investor confidence and triggered selling pressure across major sectors.
The BSE Sensex closed at 76,009.7, down 479.26 points or 0.63 per cent, while the NSE Nifty settled at 23,913.7, declining 118 points or 0.49 per cent.
Markets remained under pressure throughout the session as investors closely monitored developments in the Middle East and their possible impact on global economic conditions.
Reports suggesting that the United States carried out defensive strikes in southern Iran amid ongoing diplomatic negotiations added to market uncertainty.
According to reports, the US Central Command said the operation aimed to protect American troops from Iranian forces.
The developments reduced hopes of a possible peace agreement and increased concerns over further geopolitical escalation in the region.
Analysts said investors turned cautious due to fears that prolonged tensions could affect global markets, increase crude oil prices and weaken overall risk appetite.
Geopolitical uncertainty kept investors cautious, with consumer durable and financial stocks witnessing sharp volatility.
The Nifty Consumer Durables index fell over 1 per cent, while financial and private banking stocks also traded lower.
Trent, TCS, Bajaj Finance and Bharti Airtel emerged among the top losers, while Adani Ports, Eternal and Tech Mahindra closed with gains.
Despite weakness in benchmark indices, broader markets remained resilient. The Nifty MidCap index gained 0.54 per cent, and the Nifty SmallCap index rose 0.35 per cent. Metal and chemical stocks also outperformed the broader market.
Analysts said the 24,000 mark remains a key resistance level for the Nifty, while 23,850 continues to act as immediate support.