Stock Market Today: Sensex at 79,806, Nifty Falls 450 Points Amid US-Iran War; Paras Defence Up Over 12%

Overview

• Sensex crashed 1,480 points to 79,806, and Nifty fell 450 points to 24,728 amid the US-Iran conflict escalation.

• Brent crude rose nearly 8% near $79 per barrel, while gold touched $5,400 on strong safe-haven demand.

• Defence stocks gained up to 12%, but oil firms and aviation shares declined by over 4% on cost pressure.

The stock market today opened on a deeply weak note with heavy selling pressure. Geopolitical chaos and macroeconomic anxiety triggered a violent wave of liquidations in all major sectors. Sensex went down 1,480.47 points or 1.82% to 79,806.72. This is the sharpest fall of the index in 2026. Nifty dipped 450.65 points or 1.79% to 24,728 at press time.

The main reason behind today’s bearishness is the sudden and dramatic escalation of hostilities in the Middle East. Global markets were caught off guard by weekend strikes from US and Israeli forces on Iranian targets. Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed. This geopolitical shock immediately forced a massive flight to safety, as investors scrambled to price in the risks of a wider regional war. It pushed oil and gold prices up.  

Here is everything you need to know and the latest share market news, based on Moneycontrol data. 

Stocks in Focus: Winners and Losers

The share market news today was dominated by sector-wide selling. Larsen & Toubro’s share price was the biggest Nifty loser. The stock fell nearly 6.5% to Rs. 4,001.20. InterGlobe Aviation (IndiGo) dropped 5.36% to Rs. 4,568.60, as aviation stocks came under direct pressure from the UAE flight suspensions and rising fuel costs. Adani Ports, Maruti Suzuki, and Jio Financial Services followed suit with losses ranging between 3.5% and 4.6%.

On the other hand, defence stocks showed strength in the stock market today. Bharat Electronics (BEL) rose 1.18% to Rs. 449.95, and Paras Defence shares surged over 12% as war-linked demand drove buying. BEL also declared an interim dividend of Rs. 1.95 per share for FY26. ONGC edged up 0.21% to Rs. 280.30, while Sun Pharma gained 0.46% to Rs. 1,745. Hindalco was marginally higher at Rs. 925.50.

Oil companies also struggled. IOC fell 4.72%, BPCL dropped 4.03%, and HPCL slid 4.12%, as higher crude prices squeeze their marketing margins. PSU banks were not far behind. UCO Bank stock went down 2.84%, and Punjab and Sind Bank fell 2.7%.

Here is a quick glance summarizing the above information. This table shows most active stocks, top gainers, and top losers on Nifty 50.

Crude Oil, Gold, and Silver Surge on US-Iran Conflict

Brent crude jumped nearly 8% to $78-79 a barrel, while US crude climbed 7.3% to $71.88 per barrel. For India, which imports close to 90% of its crude oil, this is a serious concern. About 50% of India's crude oil imports pass through the Strait of Hormuz, the vital energy route now at risk due to the US-Iran conflict.

Gold and silver saw strong safe-haven buying. COMEX gold rose over 2.5% intraday to hit $5,400 per ounce. COMEX silver touched $96.93 per ounce, up 2% within minutes of trading. In India, experts say the gold price could reach Rs. 1,68,000 to Rs. 1,70,000 per 10 grams if the COMEX rate breaks above $5,400. Silver rates in India could touch Rs. 3,00,000 per kg if it holds above $95 per ounce on COMEX. Gold and silver ETFs on Indian exchanges jumped up to 7%.

Rupee, FIIs, and RBI

Indian rupee weakened 43 paise to 91.40 per dollar at press time. FIIs sold Indian stocks worth Rs. 7,536 crore on last Friday (February 27). The second month of 2026 marked the eighth straight month of net FII selling, with outflows of Rs. 6,640 crore in the cash segment. Reserve Bank of India Governor Sanjay Malhotra, however, said India's macro fundamentals are healthy and that policy rates are likely to stay the same or move lower.

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Market Outlook

The stock market today showed investor wariness. The volatility would not improve as long as the Iran conflict continues. Crude oil prices are a key risk for India. Experts say panic selling is not the right move; history shows that markets recover from such geopolitical shocks within six months. Investors should stay cautious, avoid fresh long positions, and look at quality domestic stocks in banking, defence, and capital goods on dips.

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FAQs

1. Why is the stock market down today?

The stock market is down today due to rising tensions in the Middle East. US and Israeli strikes on Iran have raised fears of a wider conflict. This pushed crude oil prices higher and triggered panic selling. Investors rushed to safer assets like gold. Higher oil prices are a big concern for India, which imports most of its crude needs.

2. How did Sensex and Nifty perform today?

At press time, the Sensex is trading at 79,806.72, down 1,480.47 points or 1.82%. The Nifty 50 is at 24,728, down 450.65 points or 1.79%. The India VIX has surged nearly 18%, showing high fear levels. This reflects strong selling pressure across sectors and weak investor sentiment.

3. How is crude oil affecting Indian markets?

Crude oil prices jumped nearly 8%, with Brent near $78-79 per barrel. India imports about 90% of its oil, and nearly half passes through the Strait of Hormuz. If oil stays high, it can increase inflation and widen the trade deficit. This hurts companies, especially oil marketing firms and airlines, which depend on stable fuel costs.

4. Which were the biggest gainers and losers in stock market today?

Larsen and Toubro fell 6.5%, and IndiGo dropped over 5% due to rising fuel costs. Oil companies like IOC and BPCL also declined by over 4%. On the positive side, defence stocks stood out. Paras Defence surged more than 12%, and Bharat Electronics gained 1.18%, supported by strong demand and dividend news.

5. What is the outlook for Indian stock market?

Experts say markets may remain volatile as long as geopolitical tensions continue. Crude oil prices will be the key factor to watch. However, history shows that markets usually recover within months after such shocks. Investors are advised to stay calm, avoid panic selling, and focus on quality stocks in strong sectors like defence and banking.