India’s equity markets witnessed a sharp downturn as investor wealth eroded by Rs. 12.87 lakh crore in a single trading session, reflecting heightened global uncertainty and rising energy prices. The benchmark BSE Sensex plunged over 3 percent, marking its steepest decline in nearly two years. The sell-off was triggered by escalating geopolitical tensions in West Asia, which drove crude oil prices sharply higher, intensifying inflationary concerns.