Mumbai/IBNS, June 11 -- The Nifty IT Index emerged as the biggest loser in early trade on Thursday as Indian equities opened sharply lower amid a global selloff in technology stocks and heightened geopolitical tensions.

Persistent Systems, HCL Tech Lead Declines

Among individual stocks, Persistent Systems Ltd. was the worst performer, falling 3.56 percent. HCL Technologies Ltd. followed closely with a decline of 3.32 percent.

Other major losers included Coforge Ltd., which slipped 2.57 percent, Oracle Financial Services Software Ltd. down 2.48 percent, and Infosys Ltd., which shed 2.37 percent in early trading.

Broad-Based Weakness Across IT Sector

The selloff was widespread across the technology pack, with Mphasis Ltd., Tech Mahindr...