BEL, HAL to BDL: Defence stocks surge up to 9%. What’s behind the rally? by Live mint | February 20, 2026 11:07 am | Indian Stocks, Market, News Defence stocks jumped up to 9% in intraday deals today amid escalating US-Iran tensions. The Nifty India Defence index, a gauge of defence stocks on Dalal Street, was trading almost 2% higher.