Stock Market: Sensex tumbles 1,236 points on selling in RIL, HDFC Bank amid escalating geopolitical tensions

India’s benchmark NIfty 50 fell 1.4% to 25,454.3 points as crude prices increased on scares of an imminent U.S. military attack on Iran.

The index opened at 25,873.35 and increased a few points to the day’s high of 25,885.3 points before shedding 500 points to hit the day’s low 25,388.75 points and closing. On a sectoral basis barring five of the 21 indices, all of them declined, with Auto index moving down 2.1%. Of the 3248 stocks that were traded more than 2300 declined, about 837 advances and the rest remained flat.

The Sensex 30 also fell 1.48% to hit 82,498.14 points with similar sectoral and broad index trends.

The jitters set in after WTI Crude futures crossed $66.12 after fresh tensions brewed between U.S. and Iran. U.S. President Donald Trump, who came to power a year ago promising no external American intervention, has reportedly lined-up the U.S. troops in and around Iran capable of hitting the nuclear facilities, pressurising the Islamic nation to quit nuclear programmes. This is despite informal talks between the two countries on Tuesday (February 17, 2026).

“Today’s fall has damaged the entire bullish setup of Nifty on the short-term charts. Below 25,372, Nifty could extend its fall towards 25,233 points. On the higher side, 25,550-25,600 points band could act as short-term resistance,” said Nandish Shah – deputy vice-president, HDFC Securities.