New Delhi, July 23 -- The Indian stock market traded lower on Thursday, extending its losses for the fourth consecutive session, amid cautious sentiment triggered by the escalating US-Iran war and rising crude oil prices. The benchmark Sensex fell over 200 points, while the Nifty 50 slipped below the crucial 24,000 mark.

Markets came under pressure after the latest escalation pushed crude oil prices higher, with Brent crude rising above $95 a barrel. This has intensified concerns over inflation, monetary policy and the economic outlook for major oil-importing countries such as India.

The BSE Sensex fell 202.29 points, or 0.26%, to 76,552.76, while the NSE Nifty 50 declined 62.40 points, or 0.26%, to trade at 23,943.80. The Bank Nifty in...