Overview
- Official data show imports rose 16.63% to $76.06 billion as exports fell 11.8% to $34.38 billion in October.
- Gold purchases jumped to $14.72 billion from $4.92 billion a year earlier and silver climbed to about $2.73 billion, with festive demand cited by the Commerce Secretary.
- Shipments to the United States slipped to $6.31 billion as tariffs of up to 50% hit goods such as textiles, shrimp, and gems and jewellery.
- The shortfall far exceeded a Reuters poll forecast of roughly $28.8 billion, surprising economists who expected a smaller gap.
- New Delhi has announced relief measures exceeding $5 billion to support exporters, while analysts warn of near‑term pressure on the rupee and inflation.