Overview

• The BSE Sensex fell 880.34 points to 79,454.47 and the NSE Nifty dropped 265.80 points to 24,008, marking a two-day loss of Rs 7 lakh crore in market capitalization.
• Escalating India-Pakistan tensions included Indian missile strikes on terror targets and Pakistan's thwarted drone attacks on military sites in Jammu and Pathankot.
• Market volatility surged as the India VIX spiked above 22, reflecting heightened investor uncertainty.
• Defense stocks like Bharat Electronics and Hindustan Aeronautics rose 2–3%, driven by expectations of increased defense spending.
• Global markets remained mixed, with the dollar softening and traders focusing on U.S.-China tariff negotiations set for Saturday in Geneva.