India, June 8 -- Indian equity benchmarks ended sharply lower on Monday, pressured by a global market rout, surging crude oil prices and growing concerns over the economic fallout from escalating tensions in the Middle East.

The BSE Sensex fell 719.08 points, or 0.97%, to close at 73,524.26, while the NSE Nifty50 declined 243.70 points, or 1.04%, to settle at 23,123. Both benchmark indices ended at their lowest levels in nearly two months.

The selloff mirrored weakness across Asian markets after fresh Israeli strikes on Iran and Lebanon intensified fears of a wider regional conflict. Brent crude oil climbed 4.3% to around $97 per barrel, raising concerns about potential disruptions to global energy supplies and the impact of higher oil ...