Country's exports increased by 9% in April; imports increased by 19%, trade deficit reached $26.42 billion

The total exports of the country rose by 9.03% to $38.49 billion last month. The trade deficit for the country was $26.42 billion for the period. This is according to the latest data from the government. From the data, the country's imports rose 19.12 percent year on year to $64.91 billion last month.

Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal is quoted as saying, "We hope that India will sustain the rate of growth in its exports."

Top government negotiator Barthwal also spoke about the India-US trade agreement on Thursday. He reported that the negotiations for the forthcoming bilateral trade agreement between India and the US are going well.

The Commerce Secretary announced that an Indian delegation will travel to Washington for further discussions. Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal will head a team of high-level Indian officials who will be going to Washington from May 17 to discuss the agreement with the US side.

He will meet US Trade Representative (USTR) Jamieson Greer and US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick during his visit.

The four-day talks (May 17-20) are taking place at a time when the two countries are exploring the possibility of an interim trade arrangement in goods to ensure "early mutual benefit" before finalising the first phase of the trade agreement by autumn this year (September-October).