India, July 22 -- Indian equity benchmarks ended sharply lower on Wednesday, extending losses for the third consecutive session, as rising crude oil prices and escalating geopolitical tensions dampened investor sentiment.

The BSE Sensex settled 715.06 points, or 0.92 percent, lower at 76,755.05, while the NSE Nifty50 declined 191.45 points, or 0.79 percent, to close at 23,996.25.

Market breadth remained weak, with most sectoral indices ending in negative territory. The Nifty Smallcap 100 fell 1.02 percent, while the Nifty Midcap 100 slipped 0.79 percent.

Among sectoral indices, all ended in the red except the Nifty Auto index, which posted marginal gains.

On the Nifty50, nearly 40 stocks closed lower. InterGlobe Aviation (IndiGo), Dr....