New Delhi, June 20 -- Indian equity markets have lost around 4-5% since the outbreak of the US-Iran conflict, as escalating geopolitical tensions, volatile crude oil prices and concerns over global inflation weighed heavily on investor sentiment.

The conflict began on February 28 after the United States and Israel launched airstrikes on Iran, triggering a sharp reaction across global financial markets. The war also sent energy prices soaring after Iran moved to block the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route for global oil and gas supplies.

Before the blockade, the Strait of Hormuz accounted for nearly 20% of global crude oil and liquefied natural gas shipments, making it one of the world's most strategically important energy corr...