India's key benchmark indices were down up to 0.2 percent. Metal stocks headed for a second day of gains on positive China factory surveys earlier this week.

Tata Steel was up 2.3 percent while Hindalco Industries gained 3.6 percent.

Also, overseas investors bought shares worth Rs 5.75 billion (USD 96.9 million) on Tuesday, provisional exchange data show.

IT exporters fell on continued churn to domestic-oriented stocks. Tata Consultancy Services declined 2 percent while Infosys was down 1.7 percent.

Wockhardt Ltd shares slumped 3.4 percent after the U. S. healthcare regulator found fault with quality control, training and staff hygiene at its plant in Chicago, potentially adding to regulatory problems facing the Indian generic drugmaker. (Reuters)