CNBCTV18 Opening Bell: Sensex, Nifty start lower on higher crude prices; Titan top gainer

The Indian benchmark equity indices started Tuesday's trade on a tepid note as a sharp rise in global crude oil prices continues to weigh on trade sentiment. While the US flagging the possible release of crude oil reserves helped soothe oil prices, the threat of military action over the attacks on Saudi oil facilities kept prices elevated and dented risk appetite in equities. India is the world’s third-largest oil importer and higher crude oil prices put pressure on the country's trade deficit.

Asian markets traded weak after Moody's Investors Service downgraded Hong Kong's outlook to negative amid weaker economic data from China. Investors remained on the sidelines ahead of an expected interest rate cut from the US Federal Reserve on Wednesday and the next round of US-China trade talks on Thursday.

Closer at home, the Reserve Bank of India governor Shaktikanta Das indicated that the monetary policy regulator may continue to aggressively cut interest rates. Commenting on the GDP growth in an exclusive interview with CNBC-TV18, Das said the number of 5 percent came as a surprise.