Indian firms are leading the way in outsourcing computer services

Profit in the last three months of 2004 was 7.1bn rupees ($162m;�86m) compared with 4.6bn a year earlier. Sales hit 25.8bn rupees, up from 18.7 in 2003.

Tata is benefiting as US and European companies cut costs by moving divisions such as call centres overseas.

Growth has been robust in "all geographies", while in Europe expansion was "significant", Tata said.

Global reach

The US accounts for 60% of Tata's business, with Europe making up 24% and India 11%.

As well as call centres, the company also provides support for corporate computer networks and systems, as well as research and development facilities.

"The global development centres are continuing to gain good traction with customers," Tata said in its statement.

"We have added a number of additional customers" in China, Hungary and Uruguay.

Earnings were also given a lift by Tata betting on a weakening US dollar. Gains in the foreign exchange market boosted its coffers by 788.8m rupees in the third quarter.