New Delhi, March 9 -- A sudden spike in crude oil prices and rising geopolitical tensions have rattled global markets, dragging the Nifty 50 sharply lower and breaking key technical supports. With volatility rising, market experts warn that the index may now be vulnerable to further downside, with 23,000, 22,000, and even 19,000 emerging as critical levels if the conflict escalates.

Indian stock market benchmark equity indices Sensex and Nifty 50 came under intense selling pressure on Monday, as rising geopolitical tensions between the United States and Iran rattled global markets and pushed crude oil prices to nearly $120 per barrel.

The sharp spike in oil prices has triggered widespread risk-off sentiment across financial markets, lea...