April 17 (Reuters) – India’s equity benchmarks are likely to open little changed on Friday as a weak first-quarter forecast by IT company Wipro could ‌offset optimism over a potential peace deal to end the Iran ‌war.

GIFT Nifty futures were trading at 24,178 as of 8:06 a.m. IST, indicating that the benchmark Nifty ​50 will open near Thursday’s close of 24,196.75.

Asian markets fell 0.6% as fuel supply concerns and doubts over whether upcoming U.S.-Iran peace talks would help ease disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz weighed on risk sentiment. [MKTS/GLOB]

“Asian markets appear less convinced as investors remain ‌wary of how durable these ⁠developments are, especially given the fragile nature of geopolitical agreements in the region,” said Hariprasad K, research analyst and founder of Livelong ⁠Wealth.

A 10-day ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel went into effect on Thursday and President Donald Trump said the next U.S.-Iran meeting may take place over the weekend.

Lower oil prices ​are also ​likely to offer some relief, with Brent ​crude falling about 1% to $98 ‌per barrel in early trading on Friday, a positive for India, the world’s third-largest largest oil importer.

Easing crude prices, alongside hopes of a de-escalation in the conflict, supported foreign inflows. Foreign portfolio investors bought Indian shares worth 3.82 billion rupees ($41.08 million) on Thursday, marking the second straight session of buying, as per provisional data.

Meanwhile, Wipro’s ‌U.S.-listed shares fell 4.8% overnight after it posted ​lackluster quarterly results and forecast muted demand for the ​first quarter, citing spending curbs ​by its U.S. banking and financial clients in an uncertain economic ‌environment.

STOCKS TO WATCH

** HDFC Life Insurance ​Company’S new business value ​fell in March-quarter, while profit rose slightly, driven by policy renewals

** Angel One reports 83% rise in fourth-quarter profit, helped by stronger client trading activity ​and higher order volumes

** Axis ‌Bank to consider raising funds via issue of equity shares or ​debt instruments during board meeting on April 25

($1 = 92.9860 Indian rupees)

(Reporting by ​Vivek Kumar M; Editing by Sonia Cheema)