Indian Markets Brace for Volatility Amid US-Israel-Iran Conflict and Rising Oil Prices

Indian stock markets are expected to open lower amid escalating US-Israel-Iran conflict, which has intensified geopolitical tensions and driven crude oil prices sharply higher. The killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and subsequent retaliatory strikes have raised concerns over disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil transit route. Elevated oil prices threaten to increase inflation, widen India's current account deficit, and pressure the rupee. Sectors like oil marketing, aviation, paints, and autos may face headwinds, while upstream oil producers and defense stocks could see support. Investors are advised to brace for volatility and monitor developments closely, with safe-haven assets like gold and US Treasuries gaining interest amid risk-off sentiment.