Defence stocks (AI image)

Defence stocks today: Contrary to the crash in Nifty50 and BSE Sensex, defence stocks on Monday moved up in trade as rising Middle East tensions brought focus back on them. Shares of defence companies such as Hindustan Aeronautics, Bharat Dynamics, BEL and Paras Defence surged by as much as 13.5% as tensions in the Middle East intensified following the death of Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The escalation has raised expectations of increased export opportunities and strengthened investor sentiment toward the sector. Paras Defence led the gains, climbing 13.5%. Meanwhile, HAL, BEL and Bharat Dynamics advanced by up to 3.5% on the BSE.During his recent visit to Israel, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the two countries would move ahead with joint development, production and technology transfer in the defence sector.A joint statement issued after the visit noted that India and Israel would collaborate on the co-development and manufacturing of defence equipment to deepen strategic ties. The two sides also agreed to work toward concluding a bilateral trade agreement soon, broaden cooperation under the UPI digital payments framework, and partner on space projects and emerging technologies, among other areas.Brokerage house JM Financial said Indian defence companies such as Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and Bharat Electronics Limited may receive sentiment support despite continued volatility in domestic equities amid a broader global risk-off environment, according to an ET report.Defence counters have seen significant fluctuations in recent months. The sector saw a robust rally last year after Indian armed forces conducted targeted strikes against terrorist groups in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. However, the uptrend later lost steam in the absence of new catalysts.Even as defence counters could witness a strong rally amid the escalating conflict, the wider equity market is expected to stay subdued.(Disclaimer: Recommendations and views on the stock market, other asset classes or personal finance management tips given by experts are their own. These opinions do not represent the views of The Times of India)