Indian shares fell for a second consecutive session on Tuesday to their lowest close in 1-1/2 weeks as caution ahead of results of major companies such as Tata Motors Ltd and uncertainty about Greece's fiscal woes prompted investors to trim positions. Tata Motors shares fell 1.5 percent, down for a second session amid expectations the company's January-March results, due later in the day, could disappoint due to sluggish sales at unit Jaguar Land Rover in China.
The benchmark BSE index ended down 0.41 percent at 27,531.41. The broader NSE index lost 0.37 percent to 8,339.35. Both indexes ended at their lowest closing levels since May 15. "We are not expecting any great set of numbers from any of these companies, so the pressure will be there," said Daljeet Kohli, director and head of research at IndiaNivesh Securities.
Traders also continued to monitor developments in Greece after its government said it intends to make good on its debt obligations but needs aid urgently to be able to do so. Cigarette maker ITC Ltd was down 0.5 percent, sliding for a second session after disappointing earnings on Friday.
Among other movers, India's largest drugmaker Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd fell 1.9 percent and was also headed for a second day of losses on profit-taking after the stock surged 6.1 percent last week. Among the gainers, shares to be included in MSCI global indexes after the close of markets on Friday continued to rally. Bharti Infratel Ltd rose as much as 8.9 percent to a record high, while Marico Ltd gained 3 percent, also touching its all-time high.