india trader
Reuters

Indian shares gained on Wednesday ahead of the central bank's monetary policy decision later in the day.

Asian shares advanced, with the Chinese central bank's weekend move to free up more liquidity boosting sentiment.

MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan climbed 0.3 percent to extend three consecutive days of gains.

Equities have been underpinned by upbeat global data, including strong manufacturing activity across much of Asia, Europe and the United States, largely reflecting a broad export boom, Reuters reported.

At 0610 GMT, the S&P BSE Sensex rose 0.52 percent at 31,660 while the broader NSE Nifty gained 0.54 percent to 9,912.

The Reserve Bank of India is expected to keep its policy rate unchanged when it announces its decision at 2:30 pm local time on Wednesday.

Among the top Sensex gainers: Sun Pharma rose 3.5 percent, Power Grid added 2 percent, Dr. Reddy's gained 1.6 percent while Reliance Industries advanced 1.7 percent.

Among the sectoral indices, the S&P BSE Healthcare index gained 2 percent followed by consumer goods 1.1 percent and the oil and gas 1 percent.

Shoppers Stop jumped 6 percent on reports that the company may sell Hypercity stake to Future Group.

Ahluwalia Contracts India added 3 percent after the company said it won orders worth Rs 555.77 crore.

ITC gained 1 percent after brokerage CLSA upgraded stock rating to 'Buy' from 'Underperform' and raised the price target to Rs 310 from Rs 285.

Market breadth was in the favour of gainers, with about 2 stocks advancing to every 1 stock that declined.