India's Services Sector Hits 10-Month High as New Orders Drive Robust Growth
India's services sector demonstrated remarkable resilience and growth momentum in June 2025, reaching its highest activity level in 10 months. The surge was primarily driven by increased new orders and strengthening overseas demand, painting a positive picture for the country's economic landscape.
PMI Index Surges to 60.4 in June
The HSBC India Services PMI business activity index recorded a significant jump to 60.4 in June, up from 58.8 in May. This substantial increase represents the highest reading in 10 months, indicating strong expansion in the services sector.
The PMI index operates on a 50-point scale, where readings above 50 indicate expansion and below 50 signal contraction. The June reading of 60.4 demonstrates robust growth momentum across India's services landscape.
International Demand Fuels Growth
A key driver of this impressive performance was the surge in overseas demand. Service providers reported particularly strong demand from Asian, West Asian, and US markets, highlighting India's growing appeal as a global services hub.
While new export orders expanded during June, the pace was slightly softer compared to previous months. However, the overall trend remains positive, with international markets continuing to drive growth in India's services sector.
Improved Profit Margins
Companies benefited from improved profit margins as input cost increases remained below the rise in output charges. This favorable cost-revenue dynamic allowed service providers to maintain healthy profitability while expanding their operations.
Job Creation Continues for 37th Consecutive Month
The services sector's robust performance translated into sustained employment growth. Job creation continued for the 37th consecutive month in June, demonstrating the sector's consistent contribution to India's employment landscape.
While the pace of job growth slightly moderated from May's record levels, it still exceeded the long-term average. This sustained employment generation underscores the sector's importance in supporting India's workforce and economic stability.
Sector-Wise Performance Analysis
The growth story wasn't uniform across all service categories. Finance and insurance sectors emerged as the top performers, leading the growth rankings for both output and new orders.
In contrast, real estate and business services recorded the slowest expansion rates, though they still maintained positive growth. This varied performance reflects the diverse nature of India's services economy and the different challenges facing various subsectors.
Business Confidence and Future Outlook
According to Pranjul Bhandari, chief India economist at HSBC, service providers remained optimistic about future growth prospects. However, there was a slight decline in confidence levels compared to previous months.
Despite this marginal dip in sentiment, the overall outlook remains positive. The combination of strong current performance and continued international demand suggests that India's services sector is well-positioned for sustained growth.
Broad-Based Expansion Indicates Strength
The survey revealed that expansions in both output and new orders remained broad-based during June. This widespread growth across different service categories indicates the underlying strength of India's services economy rather than growth concentrated in specific niches.
Such broad-based expansion typically signals more sustainable growth patterns and reduces the risk of sector-specific volatility affecting overall performance.
Economic Implications
The strong services PMI reading carries significant implications for India's broader economic outlook. As the services sector represents a substantial portion of the country's GDP, this robust performance supports overall economic growth projections.
The sustained job creation, improved margins, and international demand growth all contribute to a positive economic narrative. These factors collectively support consumer spending power and business investment confidence.
Looking Ahead
The 10-month high in services activity provides a solid foundation for India's economic growth trajectory. With international demand remaining strong and domestic conditions supportive, the services sector appears well-positioned to continue its positive momentum.
Investors and policymakers will be closely monitoring whether this growth can be sustained and whether it translates into broader economic benefits across other sectors of the Indian economy.
Disclaimer: The views and investment tips expressed in this article are for informational purposes only and do not represent financial advice. The views expressed are those of the sources cited and not necessarily those of this website or its management. Investing in equities or other financial instruments carries the risk of financial loss. Readers must exercise due caution and conduct their own research before making any investment decisions. We are not liable for any losses incurred as a result of decisions made based on this article. Please consult a qualified financial advisor before making any investment.
