Economists had expected the country's October trade deficit to be $22 billion, according to a Reuters poll, compared to $20.78 billion in the previous month. India's merchandise exports in October rose 17.26% year-on-year to $39.2 billion while imports rose 3.88% to $66.34 billion, government data released on Thursday showed.

Despite the volatile global atmosphere, Indian exporters have been able to overcome that situation and deliver, Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal said.

In the April-October period, exports increased 3.18 per cent to $252.28 billion and imports by 5.77 per cent to $416.93 billion.

Merchandise imports increased by 3.9% to $66.34 billion in October, compared to $63.86 billion in the same month last year.

The deficit widened from $20.78 billion in September due to a rise in imports, highlighting persistent challenges in balancing trade despite incremental growth in outbound shipments.

India's merchandise trade deficit in October stood at $27.14 billion, according to a Reuters calculation based on export and import data released by the government on Thursday.

India’s trade deficit widened significantly in October as imports climbed during the Hindu festival season, even though exports posted robust growth.

The trade deficit was widened to USD 27.14 billion. Imports increased by 3.9% to USD 66.34 billion in October compared to USD 63.86 billion in the year-ago period.

India's merchandise exports in October rose by an impressive 17.25 per cent year-on-year, highest in over two years, to USD 39.2 billion, while the trade deficit widened to USD 27.14 billion on a sequential basis.