Indian benchmark indices finished on a mixed note on Wednesday after giving up much of their intraday gains, as rising geopolitical tensions and higher crude oil prices curbed investor appetite for risk.
The BSE Sensex gained 64.42 points, or 0.1%, to close at 73,983.18, while the NSE Nifty 50 fell 27.15 points, or also 0.1%, to settle at 23,214.95.
Market volatility remained elevated as investors reacted to renewed hostilities between the United States and Iran. Reports of missile and drone attacks on U.S. military bases in the region heightened concerns over a broader escalation, prompting caution across Asian markets.
Crude oil prices rose about 1% during the session, adding to worries about inflationary pressures and the potential impact on India's import bill.
In corporate developments, NTPC Green Energy (NSE:NTPCGREEN, BOM:544289) said its wholly owned subsidiary, NTPC Renewable Energy, will develop a 250 MW solar power project integrated with a battery energy storage system in Uttar Pradesh. The project will supply power to defense establishments in the state.
Hindustan Zinc (NSE:HINDZINC, BOM:500188) signed a memorandum of understanding with Sulfozyme Agro India under its Zinc Industrial Park initiative in Rajasthan. The agreement aims to support the processing of zinc-based materials into value-added products.