West Asia tensions trigger worst market fall since Budget day. India's equity indices plummeted 1.5% on Wednesday, marking the largest single-day decline since February 1 as escalating Middle East conflict pushed oil prices higher and intensified risk-off sentiment. The NSE Nifty fell 1.6% to 24,480.50 while the BSE Sensex dropped 1.4% to 79,116.19. Brent crude climbed 1% to $82.17 per barrel, pressuring the rupee and triggering foreign portfolio investor exits worth 8,752.65 crore. India's volatility index surged over 20% to 21.1, signaling anticipated near-term market risks. Asian markets suffered broadly, with South Korea experiencing its worst single-day fall ever at 12.1%. Analysts warn further downside is possible as crude prices, up nearly 14% this month, could reach $100 amid Strait of Hormuz closures and LNG production halts.