Mumbai, May 25 (IANS): Taking a cue from global markets, the key Indian equity market indices on Thursday opened higher.

The Sensitive Index (Sensex) of the BSE, which had closed at 30,301.64 points on Wednesday, opened higher at 30,374.81 points.

Minutes into trading, it was quoting at 30,386.61 points, up by 84.97 points, or 0.28 per cent.

At the National Stock Exchange (NSE), the broader 51-scrip Nifty, which had closed at 9,360.55 points, was quoting at 9,382.60 points, up by 22.05 points or 0.24 per cent.

Escalating cross-border tensions with Pakistan, coupled with negative global cues, dragged the Indian equity markets lower on Wednesday.

Besides, caution ahead of derivatives expiry on Thursday and heavy selling pressure in capital goods, healthcare and metal stocks hampered investors' sentiments.

The Sensex was down by 63.61 points or 0.21 per cent at the Wednesday's closing. In the day's trade, the barometer 30-scrip sensitive index had touched a high of 30,534.15 points and a low of 30,247.60 points.

The Nifty too was down by 25.60 points or 0.27 per cent.

On Thursday, Asian indices were showing a positive trend. Japan's Nikkei 225 was trading in green, up by 0.38 per cent, Hang Seng up by 0.64 per cent while South Korea's Kospi was up by 0.77 per cent.

China's Shanghai Composite index was quoting in green, up by 0.11 per cent.

Nasdaq closed in green, up by 0.39 per cent while FTSE 100 was up by 0.39 per cent at the closing on Wednesday.