Mumbai, March 9 -- Domestic equity indices ended with sharp losses on Monday, extending their decline for the second consecutive trading session amid heightened geopolitical tensions and weak global cues. The market opened with steep losses in early trade, with the Nifty slipping below the 23,750 mark. However, the benchmark index recovered partially during mid-morning trade and later closed below the 24,050 mark in late trade.

Investor sentiment remained fragile due to escalating tensions in West Asia, which have raised concerns over potential LNG supply disruptions, surging crude oil prices, inflationary pressures, and uncertainty surrounding global economic growth. The situation intensified over the weekend as the conflict involving I...