New Delhi, Aug. 1 -- India's manufacturing sector activity rose to a 16-month high in July on the back of expansion in output and new orders, a private survey showed on Friday. However, business confidence fell to its lowest level in three years due to concerns over competition and inflation.

The HSBC India Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI), compiled by S&P Global, rose to 59.1 in July, up from 58.4 in June. It was at 57.6 in May, 58.2 in April and 58.1 in March.

India's manufacturing PMI was 56.3 in February and 57.7 in January. A reading above 50 indicates expansion.

"Firms bought extra inputs to broadly the same extent as in June, however, whilst job creation receded to the weakest since November 2024. Meanwhile, busine...