Mumbai/IBNS, July 17 -- Indian benchmark indices opened higher on Friday, supported by gains in information technology (IT) stocks and optimism ahead of the June-quarter earnings announcements of heavyweight companies, even as most Asian markets traded lower.

IT stocks emerged as the top performers after Tech Mahindra's better-than-expected quarterly revenue boosted sentiment in the sector. However, Wipro slipped after its earnings missed market expectations.

Investors are also awaiting the quarterly results of heavyweight companies including Reliance Industries, HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank, due later on Friday and over the weekend.

Indian equities outperformed their regional peers as most Asian markets traded in the red on Friday. South ...