Indian equity markets ended sharply lower as the US financial crisis spread to other countries and the US Congress passed a diluted bailout plan. The benchmark Sensex index fell over 500 points, or 3.87%, to close below 13,000 as contagion fears grew. All sectors declined, with banks, consumer durables, IT and real estate falling the most. Analysts said there was little buying activity from investors due to widespread global economic uncertainties.