Indian equity benchmarks made gap-up start of the new financial year 2026-27, amid easing geopolitical concerns after U.S. President Donald Trump indicated that the U.S.-Iran war could end within two to three weeks. Indian stock market remained closed on March 31 (Tuesday) due to Mahavir Jayanti. Sensex and Nifty were trading firmly in green with gains of over 2.50% each in early deals on Wednesday on account bargain hunting after previous session’s sell-off. All the sectoral indices were trading higher led by Industrials, Capital Goods and Metal. Traders were optimistic as the government data showed that Index of Industrial Production (IIP) recorded a 5.2% (Quick Estimate) year-on-year growth in February 2026, which is slightly higher than 5.1% growth in the month of January 2026.

On the global front, all the Asian markets were trading higher after statements from U.S. President Donald Trump raised hopes that the Iran war could end soon. Meanwhile, the Bank of Japan's Tankan survey for the first quarter of 2026, which measures business sentiment, showed optimism among large Japanese manufacturers rising to 17 from 15. That beat expectations of 16.

The BSE Sensex is currently trading at 73796.57, up by 1849.02 points or 2.57% after trading in a range of 73546.51 and 73916.53. All the 30 stocks were advancing on the index.

The top gaining sectoral indices on the BSE were Industrials up by 4.30%, Capital Goods up by 4.27%, Metal up by 3.48%, IT up by 3.41% and Consumer Discretionary up by 3.29%, while there was no loser on the BSE sectoral front.

The top gainers on the Sensex were Interglobe Aviation up by 7.58%, Trent up by 6.79%, Bharat Electronics up by 6.62%, Adani Ports & SEZ up by 4.94% and TCS up by 4.05%.

Meanwhile, citing ongoing logistical disruptions stemming from the West Asia crisis, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has extended the enhanced export credit period of up to 450 days for both pre-shipment and post-shipment finance on disbursements made until June 30, 2026. It had initially introduced this measure in November 2025 amid the US tariff wars. The directions have come into force with immediate effect and apply to all regulated entities engaged in export financing, including commercial banks, co-operative banks, non-banking financial companies involved in factoring, and all-India financial institutions.

The RBI noted that it has been receiving representations from various stakeholders highlighting difficulties in adhering to export proceeds realisation timelines due to geopolitical uncertainties and supply chain disruptions. The RBI also clarified that the earlier relaxation - extending the period for realisation and repatriation of the full export value of goods, software, and services from nine months to 15 months from the date of export - will remain in effect. 

The central bank said the measures are intended to ease the debt-servicing burden arising from geopolitical tensions and to ensure the continuity of viable export-oriented businesses. It added that it will continue to closely monitor the situation and take appropriate action as needed.

The CNX Nifty is currently trading at 22897.55, up by 566.15 points or 2.54% after trading in a range of 22809.00 and 22937.65. All the 50 stocks were advancing on the index.

The top gainers on Nifty were Trent up by 6.80%, Bharat Electronics up by 6.74%, Interglobe Aviation up by 5.69%, Adani Ports & SEZ up by 5.13% and Shriram Finance up by 4.99%.

All Asian markets were trading higher; Nikkei 225 surged 2335.28 points or 4.37% to 53,399.00, Taiwan Weighted jumped 1450.96 points or 4.37% to 33,173.95, Hang Seng rose 520.86 points or 2.06% to 25,309.00, KOSPI increased 363.99 points or 6.72% to 5,416.45, Jakarta Composite gained 105.26 points or 1.47% to 7,153.48, Straits Times added 89.37 points or 1.8% to 4,974.82 and Shanghai Composite was up by 52.94 points or 1.34% to 3,944.80.