Indian stock market slides at open as IT shares lead decline

India's stock market opened lower on Monday as both benchmark indices slipped into negative territory from the outset, with investors responding to weakness in global markets. The decline was broad-based, but information technology stocks emerged as the worst performers during early trading.

The opening weakness had been preceded by negative signals from international markets, which set a cautious tone for domestic investors heading into the week. Analysts attributed the broad-based selling to concerns that filtered in from overseas before the local market opened for trade.

IT sector shares, which form a significant portion of India's equity indices, bore the heaviest losses as foreign institutional investors reassessed their positions in technology-focused companies. The sector's sensitivity to global technology trends and currency movements made it particularly vulnerable to the risk-off sentiment gripping markets.

The selling pressure at the open reflected renewed caution among market participants, with investors moving to de-risk portfolios ahead of potential volatility. Analysts will be watching for any stabilization in afternoon trade, though the initial momentum suggested sustained pressure through the trading session.