India’s private sector activity picked up pace in September, led by a stronger performance in manufacturing. The HSBC Flash India Composite PMI Output Index rose to 56.5 in September, from 54.3 in August. The latest reading pointed to the strongest expansion in private-sector activity since June and took the index above its long-run average. Manufacturing growth strengthens Manufacturing emerged as the key driver of the improvement. The Manufacturing PMI climbed to 55.7 in September, from 52.8 in August, marking the sector’s best improvement in seven months. Manufacturing output also increased at a faster pace. The Manufacturing PMI Output Index rose to 58.2, compared with 54.8 in August.