Indian benchmark indices ended sharply higher in the previous session, extending their rally for a second straight session. The 30-share BSE Sensex gained 685.34 points, or 0.95%, to settle at 73,067.81, while the 50-share NSE Nifty climbed 220.35 points, or 0.98%, to close at 22,776.10.

Buying in banking stocks and Reliance Industries, along with a decline in crude oil prices below $100 a barrel, supported investor sentiment. Among Sensex constituents, Trent was the biggest gainer, surging 12.78%.

Kotak Mahindra Bank, Hindustan Unilever, Reliance Industries, InterGlobe Aviation, Eternal and Asian Paints were also among the winners. Tech Mahindra, Titan, Bajaj Finance and ITC ended lower. The BSE SmallCap Select index rose 1.25%, while the MidCap Select index gained 1%.