Mumbai, Jan. 20 -- Benchmark equity indices closed sharply lower on Tuesday, with the Nifty slipping below the 25,250 level as selling pressure intensified across the board. All NSE sectoral indices ended in the red, with realty stocks leading the declines.

Markets came under pressure amid renewed trade tensions between the US and Europe, rising geopolitical risks, and weaker-than-expected Q3 earnings from a few heavyweight companies. Persistent foreign institutional selling, a sharp sell-off in the broader market, and the weekly expiry of Nifty derivatives added to volatility.

Investors also remained cautious ahead of a potential US Supreme Court ruling on Trump-era tariffs, as an adverse outcome could materially shift global trade dyn...