New Delhi, April 2 -- The Indian stock market benchmark indices, Sensex and Nifty 50, are expected to open lower on Thursday, as investor sentiment dampened after US President Donald Trump said in an address that US forces will hit Iran 'very hard' for the next 2-3 weeks.

Asian markets traded higher, while the US stock market ended with gains overnight, led by a rally in index heavyweight stocks.

On Wednesday, the Indian stock market snapped its two-day losing run and ended with strong gains.

The Sensex jumped 1,186.77 points, or 1.65%, to close at 73,134.32, while the Nifty 50 settled 348.00 points, or 1.56%, higher at 22,679.40.

"The continuation of yesterday's recovery will hinge on the progress and sustainability of de-escalation ...