India's benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty are poised for a weak start on March 13 amid ongoing Middle East conflict, with Brent crude hitting $100 per barrel. This follows earlier market turmoil from the West Asia crisis, including Iran's Strait of Hormuz closure.
Building on the sharp declines triggered by US and Israel strikes on Iran earlier in March—which killed Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and prompted the Strait of Hormuz closure—Indian markets face continued pressure. On March 13, 2026, GIFT Nifty futures traded at 23,549.5 by 07:57 am IST, down from the prior Nifty 50 close of 23,639.15, signaling a lower open.
Brent crude has now reached $100 per barrel, as previously warned by experts, exacerbating concerns for oil-import dependent India. Foreign investors have been net sellers, contributing to a weekly Nifty downturn in 2026. Global cues remain negative, with support and resistance levels for Nifty under watch amid a bearish outlook.
