India’s equity markets closed lower as sustained selling by foreign institutional investors (FIIs) pressured benchmark indices and dampened risk appetite. The Sensex and the Nifty retreated from earlier levels as global uncertainties, a firm U.S. dollar, and cautious positioning ahead of key macro cues prompted overseas investors to pare exposure. Weakness in financials and information technology stocks dragged on the indices, offsetting selective buying in defensive sectors. While domestic institutional investors offered limited support, market sentiment remained guarded.