<h1>Indian rupee falls 4 paise to 86.16 against dollar amid rising crude prices and equity market decline</h1> The Indian rupee weakened for the third consecutive session, closing 4 paise lower at 86.16 against the US dollar. The decline was attributed to rising global crude oil prices and significant drops in domestic equity markets. However, a weakening US dollar against major currencies prevented sharper depreciation. The rupee traded between 85.97-86.23 during the session. Market analysts cited ongoing uncertainties surrounding India-US trade negotiations, higher crude prices, and foreign institutional selling as key factors pressuring the currency. The central bank intervened to control the pace of decline. Experts predict the rupee may weaken further to 87 levels if trade negotiations remain unresolved. Brent crude rose 1.17% to $70.33 per barrel, while domestic equity indices declined substantially, with foreign institutional investors purchasing equities worth Rs 374.74 crore.