<h1>Indian equity markets surge with benchmark indices gaining over 200 points on trade optimism and strong IT performance</h1> Indian equity markets opened higher with benchmark indices gaining significantly during early trade. The 30-share index climbed 236.56 points while the 50-share index rose 66.3 points, driven by optimism surrounding potential trade agreements with the US and strong performance in IT sector stocks. Manufacturing sector growth reached a 14-month high of 58.4 in June, supported by improved output and employment trends. GST collections increased 6.2 percent to over 184,000 crore rupees in June, though below previous months' levels. Foreign institutional investors sold equities worth nearly 2,000 crore rupees. Mixed performance was observed in Asian markets while global oil prices remained stable.