Mumbai, Sept. 18 -- Indian stock markets opened on a strong note on Thursday as investors welcomed the U.S. Federal Reserve's decision to cut interest rates by 25 basis points.

Both benchmark indices saw sharp gains at the opening, tracking positive global cues and optimism from the Fed's dovish stance.

The Nifty 50 index opened at 25,441.05, rising 110.80 points or 0.44 per cent, while the BSE Sensex surged 415.21 points or 0.50 per cent to open at 83,108.92.

Analysts noted that the rate cut was widely expected, and the move is being seen as supportive for emerging markets, though foreign portfolio inflows into India may still take some time to recover.

Banking and market expert Ajay Bagga told ANI that the market reaction was broadl...