India’s BSE Sensex surrendered early gains to end around 0.6% lower at 76,153 on Thursday, its weakest close since July 24, marking a fourth consecutive session of declines. Investors stayed firmly in risk-off mode as escalating tensions in the Middle East, including heavy strikes between the US and Iran, drove oil prices higher. Market sentiment was further affected by a sharp jump in foreign-currency deposits from non-resident Indians: more than $60 billion was raised in the final 10 days of the RBI’s swap scheme, bringing the total mobilised to roughly $136 billion.