Indian benchmark equity indices ended lower on Monday as persistent geopolitical tensions and concerns over elevated crude oil prices weighed on investor sentiment. The Sensex declined 172.61 points, or 0.22%, to close at 77,369.11, while the 50-share NSE Nifty slipped 32.95 points, or 0.14%, to settle at 24,219.05. The decline came after both indices had started the session on a stronger note, with investors initially responding positively to buying in select blue-chip stocks.

Market sentiment remained cautious as investors assessed the possible impact of continuing tensions in the Middle East and uncertainty surrounding potential new US sanctions on Iran. Concerns over disruptions to global energy supplies have kept crude oil prices elevated, creating additional pressure for oil-importing economies such as India. Although crude prices eased during Monday's session, uncertainty over future supplies continued to influence investor decisions.

The market's weakness became more visible as the trading session progressed. The indices had opened higher, with the Sensex gaining more than 200 points and the Nifty moving above the 24,300 level in early trade. However, the initial gains failed to hold as investors turned cautious amid global uncertainties. The reversal highlighted the fragile risk appetite prevailing in the market, with traders closely tracking international developments and movements in energy prices.

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Sectoral and stock-specific movements remained mixed during the session. Technology and some large-cap stocks provided support at different stages, while weakness in financial and other segments limited the broader market's recovery. Tata Steel, HCL Technologies and Bajaj Finance were among stocks that recorded gains, while Adani Ports was among the notable laggards. The mixed performance indicated that investors continued to selectively buy stocks even as broader market sentiment remained subdued.

Crude oil remains a key concern for Indian markets because sustained increases in energy costs can affect inflation, corporate expenses and the country's import bill. Investors are therefore closely watching developments related to Iran and the wider Middle East, along with movements in global oil prices. On Monday, crude oil slipped below $93 a barrel as traders booked profits ahead of the expected US announcement on additional sanctions against Iran, but concerns over potential supply disruptions remained.

The rupee and other global market cues are also expected to remain important for domestic equities in the coming sessions. Investors are likely to monitor developments around US sanctions, crude prices and signals from global central banks before taking larger positions. With the Nifty closing at 24,219.05 and the Sensex at 77,369.11, the Monday session ended with modest losses, reflecting continued caution rather than a broad-based market sell-off.

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