Mumbai, March 30 -- Dark clouds of selling continued to hover over Dalal Street on Monday morning as Indian benchmark indices opened sharply lower amid rising geopolitical tensions and surging crude oil prices.

The Nifty 50 opened at 22,549.65, declining by 269.95 points or (-1.18 per cent), while the BSE Sensex slipped to 72,603.07, falling by 980.15 points or -1.33 per cent in early trade.

The persistent weakness in the markets comes against the backdrop of escalating conflict in West Asia, which has disrupted global trade routes and energy supply chains. Recent attacks on key energy infrastructure in the region have further dented investor confidence and raised concerns over inflation and economic stability.

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