Mumbai, June 11 -- Indian equity benchmark indices ended lower on Thursday amid weak global cues, escalating geopolitical tensions in West Asia, rising crude oil prices, and continued selling pressure in information technology stocks.

The benchmark indices witnessed heightened volatility throughout the session.

The BSE Sensex settled 150.63 points or 0.20 per cent lower at 73,832.55, while the NSE Nifty declined 53.35 points or 0.23 per cent to close at 23,161.60.

Markets opened sharply lower, tracking weakness in global equities after renewed concerns surrounding the US-Iran conflict pushed crude oil prices higher and dampened investor sentiment.

During early trade, the Sensex fell 464.43 points or 0.62 per cent to 73,518.75, while t...