New Delhi, June 12 -- Indian equity benchmarks, the Sensex and Nifty 50, are expected to start Friday's session on a firm footing, supported by upbeat global market sentiment after fresh signs of progress in diplomatic talks between the United States and Iran. Investor confidence improved after US President Donald Trump withdrew plans for military action against Iran, fuelling hopes of a potential peace agreement.

Asian equities rallied sharply, while US markets witnessed a strong overnight surge, with the three major Wall Street indices posting their biggest single-day gains since 8 April.

The positive global backdrop follows Indian markets ending lower in the previous session, as escalating tensions in the Middle East triggered risk a...