India records weak output

NEW DELHI, May 13 (AFP): India's industrial production shrank in March for the fifth time in sixth months, data showed Monday, underscoring the challenge facing the next government to revive Asia's third-largest economy.

Output from India's mines, factories and utilities contracted by 0.5 per cent year-on-year in March, according to the data.

Manufacturing output slid by 1.2 per cent, while output of capital goods, such as plant equipment -- a harbinger of future investment -- plunged by 12.5 per cent.

The economy grew by just 4.9 per cent in the year to March 2014, according to government estimates, half the rate it notched up during India's boom times.

"The figures show the next government will inherit an economy with very little positive momentum," said Capital Economics analyst Miguel Chanco.