<h1>Indian stock markets fall for third straight day as Middle East tensions and Fed policy weigh on investor sentiment</h1> Indian benchmark indices declined for the third consecutive session amid mounting geopolitical tensions from the ongoing Middle East conflict and concerns over potential involvement by a major global power. The Federal Reserve's decision to maintain unchanged interest rates while signaling persistent inflation and slower economic growth further dampened market sentiment. The 30-share index fell 0.10 percent while the 50-share index dropped 0.08 percent. Software export stocks were particularly affected by the monetary policy stance. Asian markets mostly declined while European markets traded lower, reflecting global cautious sentiment.