Stocks to buy, March 3 -- The Indian stock market is facing selling pressure as the Middle East conflict has driven crude oil prices higher, threatening to hurt not only India's economy but also the earnings for a dozen sectors on Dalal Street.

The Middle East tensions escalated after the US and Israel stepped up their war against Iran, while Tehran threatened a full closure of the Strait of Hormuz - a crucial waterway for the movement of crude. This has driven Brent crude prices above $80 a barrel, which bodes well, especially for India, which imports almost 85% of its energy needs and has been enjoying stable crude oil prices for a few years now.

The Iran-US-Israel war has sparked a risk-off sentiment, prompting investors to dump glob...