Indian Markets Open Lower Amid Rising Tensions with Pakistan After Op Sindoor Escalation

GG News Bureau
Mumbai, 9th May: Indian equity markets witnessed a turbulent start on Wednesday morning, opening lower amid escalating tensions with Pakistan following New Delhi’s anti-terror operation “Op Sindoor” launched after the deadly Pahalgam attack. The geopolitical uncertainty came after Pakistan attempted aerial strikes on Indian cities and military bases, which were effectively neutralised by Indian forces overnight.

The BSE Sensex tumbled over 1,300 points during pre-opening trade but quickly pared losses to open around 500 points down. The Nifty, which had briefly slipped below the key 24,000 mark, rebounded as the markets opened at 9:15 am.

By 10:30 am, the Sensex had recovered to 79,954 while the Nifty stood at 24,111. Among the 30-share Sensex pack, Titan, Larsen & Toubro, BEL, and Tata Motors led the gains, while Power Grid, ICICI Bank, Ultratech Cement, and Eicher Motors lagged.

The dip in market sentiment followed Pakistan’s night-time escalation, during which it launched missiles and drones targeting Indian military installations in Jammu, Pathankot, and Udhampur. However, Indian air defence systems responded swiftly, intercepting and neutralising all threats without any reported casualties or damage.

Cross-border tensions remain high, with Pakistani troops reportedly engaging in unprovoked firing at multiple locations along the Line of Control (LoC), targeting both Indian military posts and civilian settlements.

India’s “Operation Sindoor”, launched two days ago, aims to dismantle terror infrastructure across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The operation has drawn international attention after footage revealed several terror training hubs operating within Pakistani territory.

Pakistan, widely accused of being a global exporter of terrorism, has called for a “neutral probe” into the situation— a move critics see as yet another attempt to deflect attention from its long-standing inaction on terrorism despite ample evidence.

While the markets are showing signs of resilience, investors remain cautious amid the geopolitical uncertainty.