Stock markets plunge as failure of U.S.–Iran negotiations fuels concerns of prolonged conflict

Equity benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty tumbled in early trade on Monday (April 13, 2026) as the failure of U.S.–Iran negotiations heightened concerns of a prolonged conflict driving crude oil prices sharply higher.

The U.S. and Iran failed to reach a peace deal at their historic 21-hour talks in Pakistan, leaving the fate of a tenuous two-week ceasefire in doubt, with both sides attempting to hold each other responsible for the collapse of the negotiations.