India's private sector experienced significant growth at the beginning of the financial year, as indicated by the HSBC Flash India Composite PMI Output Index, which rose to 58.3 in April from 57.0 in March. This increase reflects a robust expansion in business activity, driven mainly by the manufacturing sector, which recorded a flash PMI of 55.9, up from 53.9 in March. The services sector also expanded but at a slower pace, with a PMI of 57.9 compared to 57.5 previously. According to Pranjul Bhandari, chief India economist at HSBC, the acceleration in private sector activity followed a slowdown in March due to disruptions related to the West Asia conflict. Firms are building buffer stocks to manage uncertainties and have increased hiring, with employment growth at its highest in ten months. Despite ongoing input cost pressures, firms remain optimistic about future output growth, supported by marketing efforts and rising client inquiries.