India, March 2 -- Benchmark Indian equity indices opened sharply lower on Monday amid rising crude oil prices triggered by escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

The 30-share BSE Sensex fell 2,743.46 points, or 3.37 per cent, to 78,543.73 at 12:30 pm. The 50-share NSE Nifty dropped 533.55 points, or 2.11 per cent, to 24,645.10.

From the Sensex constituents, InterGlobe Aviation, Larsen & Toubro, Eternal, Adani Ports, Asian Paints, UltraTech Cement and Reliance Industries were among the top laggards.

Bharat Electronics was the only gainer in the pack.

Brent crude, the global benchmark, fell 5.38 per cent to $76.79 per barrel.

Markets reacted to heightened tensions in the Middle East following a coordinated US-Israeli airs...