Indian benchmark equity indices opened lower on Tuesday, continuing their recent losing streak amid continued concerns over the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, rising crude oil prices and ongoing selling by foreign investors.
BSE Sensex opened 389.12 points or 0.52 per cent lower at 73,878.22 in early trade, while NSE Nifty 50 slipped 153.45 points or 0.66 per cent to 23,229.15 in early trade.
The weak opening came after GIFT Nifty futures indicated a negative opening, indicating investors remained cautious amid global and domestic headwinds.
Middle East conflict keeps investors cautious
Investor sentiment remains under pressure due to uncertainty over the protracted conflict in the Middle East and efforts to reach a diplomatic solution. Brent crude futures touched $94 a barrel as energy prices remained high after talks between the United States and Iran stalled.
High crude oil prices are a major concern for India, one of the world’s largest oil importers, as they could fuel inflation, increase import costs and impact economic growth.
The market has already seen a lot of weakness in recent sessions. Nifty 50 has fallen about 2.7 per cent in the last four trading sessions, while the Sensex has fallen about 2.9 per cent during the same period.
Selling by foreign investors continues
Foreign institutional investors (FIIs) remained net sellers on Monday and gained share prices ₹3,912 crore, according to provisional exchange data.
Foreign investors have pulled out about $26.4 billion from Indian equities so far in 2026, surpassing the record annual outflow of $18.91 billion seen in 2025. Analysts say continued selling by foreign investors has increased pressure on domestic markets and the rupee.