Mumbai, July 20 -- Indian equity benchmark indices ended lower on Monday, with the BSE Sensex falling 442.93 points, or 0.57 per cent, to close at 77,708.52, while the Nifty 50 declined 95.80 points, or 0.39 per cent, to settle at 24,238.50, as investors remained cautious amid rising crude oil prices and escalating geopolitical tensions in West Asia.

According to market experts, the collapse of the June ceasefire between the US and Iran has pushed crude oil prices higher, raising concerns over inflation and the global economic outlook.

Vinod Nair, Head of Research, Geojit Investments Limited, said, "The collapse of the June ceasefire between the US and Iran has pushed crude prices to touch USD 90. Markets have started the week on a caut...