New Delhi, March 30 -- Asian markets witnessed sharp selling pressure on Monday morning, with major indices declining significantly amid rising energy prices and escalating tensions in West Asia.

Japan's Nikkei 225 fell by approximately 5 per cent to 50,950 level, while South Korea's KOSPI declined by around 4 per cent to 5,240 level.

Other Asian markets also traded lower, reflecting weak investor sentiment. Hong Kong's Hang Seng index dropped 1.69 per cent to 24,533 level, Taiwan's Weighted index declined 1.86 per cent to 32,488 level, and Singapore's Straits Times index slipped 0.26 per cent to 4,885 level.

The sell-off comes amid a sharp rise in global crude oil prices, with Brent crude surging to USD 115.61 per barrel, raising conc...