-- Indian benchmarks indices closed higher on Friday, supported by optimism around upcoming U.S.-Iran talks that could ease geopolitical tensions.
The BSE Sensex gained 918.60 points, or 1.2%, to end at 77,550.25, while the NSE Nifty 50 rose 275.50 points, or also 1.2%, to settle at 24,050.60.
Markets saw steady buying through the session. Banking and financial stocks led the gains. Investors are tracking the outcome of peace talks scheduled over the weekend, as it could influence crude oil prices and near-term market direction.
Among stocks, RailTel Corp. of India (NSE:RAILTEL, BOM:543265) edged higher after securing a 231.8 million rupee order to develop an online portal for a Goa government body.
Oasis Securities (BOM:512489) jumped 5% after appointing Surendra Kumar Joshi as chief financial officer with effect from Friday.