Mumbai, Sept. 15 -- Indian equity markets ended sharply lower on Tuesday with the Sensex falling 777.94 points, or 1.04 per cent, to 74,003.82 and the Nifty declining 279.50 points, or 1.19 per cent, to 23,118.60, as rising crude oil prices and broader selling pressure weighed on sentiment.

Market analyst Vipin Dixena said the decline was more than just profit booking, with crude oil remaining above USD 107 a barrel and the rupee weakening towards Rs 96 against the dollar adding to concerns over inflation, the fiscal balance and monetary policy.

"Today's weakness is more than just profit booking. Crude oil remaining above $107 a barrel is becoming a serious macro headwind for India," Dixena said, adding that the broader market remained ...