New Delhi, Sept. 1 -- India's manufacturing industry recorded its fastest expansion in more than 17 years in August 2025, highlighting strong domestic demand despite global trade challenges.

The HSBC India Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI), compiled by S&P Global, rose to 59.3 in August from 59.1 in July. This marks the highest reading since early 2008, signaling a sharp improvement in operating conditions and robust business momentum.

The surge was driven mainly by faster production growth, the strongest in nearly five years. New orders also stayed firm, maintaining July's 57-month high pace. Companies attributed this momentum to buoyant local demand and effective marketing strategies.

On the global front, export orders r...