The Indian equity benchmarks are set to open higher on Thursday ahead of weekly expiry of index futures and option contracts as indicated by the Nifty Fututres traded on Singapore Exchange. The Nifty Futures on Singapore Exchnage also known as SGX Nifty Futures rose 0.27 per cent or 50 points to 18,000. Market participants will closely watch out for retail inflation which will be reported by the government after market hours.