Foreign investors have pulled out Rs 88,180 crore (about USD 9.6 billion) from Indian equities so far this month, weighed down by escalating tensions in West Asia, a weakening rupee and concerns over the impact of elevated crude oil prices on India's growth and corporate earnings. The sharp sell-off follows a strong rebound in February, when foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) pumped in Rs 22,615 crore, the highest monthly inflow in 17 months, according to NSDL data. With the latest withdrawals, total FPI outflows have crossed the Rs 1 lakh crore-mark so far in 2026. In March (till March 20), FPIs have remained net sellers on every trading day, offloading equities worth Rs 88,180 crore in the cash market. However, the outflow is still lower than the record monthly exodus of Rs 94,017 crore seen in October 2024. Market participants attributed the sustained selling pressure to global macroeconomic headwinds and heightened geopolitical uncertainty. Vaqarjaved Khan, Senior Fundamental