The HSBC India Services PMI was revised lower to 55.2 in September 2026 from the preliminary estimate of 55.8, after a final reading of 54.1 in the previous month and below the market forecast of 56.2. Still, it marked the strongest growth in the services sector since June, supported by stronger output growth amid robust demand. New orders rose at the fastest pace in three months, supported by marketing efforts and stronger demand in financial and insurance services. Foreign demand also improved, though growth eased to a moderate pace that was the softest in nearly three years. In response to improving new orders, firms increased employment, though the pace moderated and was softer than in August. On the price front, input prices rose, mainly driven by higher food supplies, fuel, and insurance premiums. Meanwhile, output inflation eased to a three-month low. Looking ahead, business sentiment improved to a three-month high, supported by resilient demand and rising customer enquiries.