New Delhi, March 12 -- The Indian stock market benchmark indices, Sensex and Nifty 50, are likely to open lower on Thursday, tracking weak global market cues, as surging crude oil prices stoked inflation fears and as investors remain cautious amid the escalating US-Iran in the Middle East.

The trends on Gift Nifty also indicate a negative start for the Indian benchmark index. The Gift Nifty was trading around 23,819 level, a discount of nearly 120 points from the Nifty futures' previous close.

On Wednesday, the Indian stock market crashed amid cautiousness over the ongoing US-Iran war, with the benchmark Nifty 50 slipping below 23,900 level.

The Sensex tanked 1,342.27 points, or 1.72%, to close at 76,863.71, while the Nifty 50 settled ...