Sensex falls over 200 points to 83,300:Nifty also slips 100 points; selling in banking auto shares; US-Iran tensions weigh on investor sentiment

The Indian benchmark indices opened on a cautious undertone on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, as tension build between the United States and Iran. Sensex is trading at 83,000 level with a decline of more than 200 points. While Nifty is down by about 100 points, trading at 25,600. Today there is selling in banking, FMCG and auto shares. US-Iran tensions: Fresh tensions escalated between the United States and Iran, as the two nations began indirect nuclear talks in Geneva. This weighed on investor sentiment. Cochin Shipyard shares up 7% During early trading, Cochin Shipyard shares are up more than 7%. Cochin Shipyard has received an order worth Rs 5,000 crore from the Ministry of Defence. After this, this defence PSU stock gained 7.27% on BSE and reached a price of Rs 1,575. National holiday in most of other Asian countries Foreign investors sold shares worth Rs 7,395 crore Markets rallied on Monday
The stock markets rose higher on February 16. Sensex closed at 83,277 with a gain of 650 points. Nifty gained 212 points and closed at 25,683.