India, Aug. 25 -- Benchmark equity indices Sensex and Nifty ended lower on Monday as persistent geopolitical tensions and elevated crude oil prices hampered risk appetite.

Investors remained cautious ahead of fresh US sanctions on Iran, experts said.

Despite a positive beginning, the 30-share BSE Sensex failed to carry forward the momentum and declined 171.72 points, or 0.22 per cent, to settle at 77,369.11. During the day, it dropped 339.17 points, or 0.43 per cent, to 77,201.66. The 50-share NSE Nifty slipped 32.95 points, or 0.14 per cent, to end at 24,219.05.

Among the 30 Sensex firms, Adani Ports, Bharat Electronics, Bajaj Finance, Bajaj Finserv, Trent, Axis Bank, State Bank of India, and Tata Consultancy Services were among the l...