Defence stocks, Feb. 20 -- Across-the-board buying in defence stocks drove the Nifty India Defence index nearly 2% higher in early-morning trade on Friday, February 20, amid escalating US-Iran tensions.

The defence gauge jumped 2.11% to hit the day's peak of 8,205 on the National Stock Exchange (NSE). While the index has risen 51% in a year, it remains 11% below its all-time high of 9195.

All constituents in the defence gauge traded in the green, with Data Patterns emerging as the best performer, surging 9% to Rs.3,190.

Shares of Paras Defence, MTAR Technologies and Garden Reach Shipbuilders, along with Bharat Dynamics, rose around 4% each. Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL) and Bharat Electronics shares gained 2% each.

BEML, Midhani, Mazago...