New Delhi, May 26 -- Indian benchmark indices ended sharply higher on Monday, with the Sensex and Nifty gaining more than 1%, as a steep decline in crude oil prices and strong global market cues lifted investor sentiment. Optimism surrounding ongoing US-Iran negotiations, which could ease geopolitical tensions and improve energy supply prospects, further supported the rally.

Market sentiment was also aided by the Indian rupee's appreciation against the US dollar and robust buying interest in banking and financial stocks, traders said.

The Sensex climbed 1,073.61 points, or 1.42%, to close at 76,488.96. During the session, the index surged as much as 1,143.72 points, or 1.51%, to touch an intraday high of 76,559.07.

Broader market parti...