<h1>India manufacturing growth slows in September but stays strong as PMI 57.7; inflation and export demand rise</h1> Manufacturing activity in India eased in September as new orders, output and input purchases rose at their slowest four-month pace and employment growth fell to a one-year low, though the sector remained in expansion (PMI 57.7). Export orders strengthened from several regions, partly offsetting US tariff headwinds. Input and output price inflation accelerated to its strongest pace since May, driven by higher labour, materials and transport costs. Firms signalled improved 12-month production expectations, citing recent GST rate cuts as a key optimism driver despite slower job creation and only marginal accumulation of outstanding work.