NEW DELHI, May 21 -- India's private-sector economy likely lost some momentum in May as the West Asia conflict and softer demand conditions weighed on manufacturing and services, even as overall activity remained firmly in expansion territory, early survey data showed.

According to HSBC's Flash India Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI), released Thursday, growth in new orders, exports, employment and business activity eased during the month, pointing to a milder upturn in the first half of the first fiscal quarter.

The flash reading, an advance estimate ahead of final PMI data, suggests sentiment remains positive but uneven across sectors.

The HSBC Flash India Composite PMI Output Index, compiled by S&P Global, is expected to have edged d...