New Delhi, March 2 -- India's manufacturing sector strengthened in February, driven by robust domestic demand, even as export growth slowed to a 17-month low.

The seasonally adjusted HSBC India Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) rose from 55.4 in January to 56.9 in February, marking a four-month high and signalling a solid improvement in business conditions.

Pranjul Bhandari, Chief India Economist, HSBC, said, "India's final manufacturing PMI reflected an acceleration in manufacturing activity in February. Output expanded at a faster rate for a second month, supported by stronger domestic orders."

"However, growth in new export orders continued its slowing trend that began in mid-2025, somewhat restricting employment creati...