** Shares of Linde India LIND.ND climb 8.4% to a more-than-6-month high of 7,643 rupees

** Industrial gases co reported 12% y/y rise in March-quarter profit as expenses dropped 12%; rev down 6%

** Antique Stock Broking said LIND's margins came as a surprise, boosted by improved revenue mix and better-than-expected margin at gas and related business

** Hikes price target to 6,037 rupees from 5,865 rupees earlier, keeps "hold"

** Stock eyes busiest trading session in more-than 3-months, volumes at 5.9x the 30-day avg

** Year-to-date, stock up ~28%

(Reporting by Manvi Pant in Bengaluru)

((Manvi.Pant@thomsonreuters.com; +918447554364;))