Indian equity markets opened higher on Thursday as diplomatic hopes eased geopolitical tensions. The Sensex gained 0.49 percent to trade at 79,501.32, while Nifty 50 rose 0.52 percent to 24,607.95. Positive global cues from US markets and South Korea's sharp rebound supported the opening, though elevated crude oil prices and continued foreign selling kept investor sentiment cautious. A key catalyst was Iran signaling openness to diplomatic talks, with US President Trump pledging to stabilize oil markets. However, geopolitical risks persisted after a US submarine sank an Iranian warship off Sri Lanka, pushing crude higher. Brent oil futures climbed 1.47 percent to 83.72 per barrel, while WTI crude surged 3.24 percent to 77.08. Domestic crude futures also rose, with March contracts up 2.06 percent.