Indian equities braced for sharp losses as geopolitical tensions escalate.

Indian equities braced for sharp losses as geopolitical tensions escalate. GIFT Nifty futures signaled a 3.37% gap-down opening at 23,740 points on Monday, driven by crude oil surging nearly 20% to four-year highs amid Middle East conflict. The spike triggered widespread selling across Asian markets, with Japan's Nikkei falling 7.5% and South Korea's benchmark dropping 8.1%. Oil production cuts by Iraq and Kuwait, combined with shipping concerns through the Strait of Hormuz, intensified supply fears. A strengthening U.S. dollar near 100 added pressure on emerging markets including India, raising import costs and threatening capital outflows. Global indices reflected the weakness, with Wall Street and European futures pointing to further declines.