India's benchmark stock indices opened lower on Monday, with the BSE Sensex (the 30-share index tracking India's largest listed companies) shedding around 173 points to 76,342 and the NSE Nifty dropping 63 points to 23,832, pressured by rising crude oil prices and escalating US-Iran hostilities near the Strait of Hormuz. Brent crude climbed to around $97 per barrel as fresh conflict escalation raised fears of supply disruptions, while a stronger-than-expected US jobs report revived concerns that the Federal Reserve may raise interest rates again. Investors are now watching Friday's US inflation data closely, as it is expected to shape expectations for Federal Reserve policy and broader global market sentiment.