New Delhi, May 6 -- India's services sector picked up pace in April after a slight slowdown in March, according to the latest HSBC Services PMI data released by S&P Global.

The seasonally adjusted HSBC India Services PMI(R) Business Activity Index rose to 58.7 in April, up from 58.5 in March. This suggests a sharp and stronger expansion in business activity. The latest reading is also higher than the long-run average of 54.2.

It said "After experiencing a slowdown in March, growth of business activity in the Indian service sector accelerated slightly in April. This regained momentum was largely driven by a quicker increase in new order inflows, which also underpinned a faster expansion in employment".

S&P Global noted that the improvem...