India's exports rise, imports fall in August

NEW DELHI, Sept. 15 (Xinhua) -- India's total exports, including merchandise and services, were estimated at 69.16 billion U.S. dollars in August, a 9.34 percent increase compared to the same month last year, official data showed on Monday.

The figure also revealed that total imports, including merchandise and services, for August were estimated at 79.04 billion dollars, 7 percent less than the same month last year.

According to the data, India's total exports in the April-August period stayed at 349.35 billion dollars, while total imports reached 390.78 billion dollars.

Federation of Indian Export Organizations President S.C. Ralhan said that export growth in August was a "welcome and encouraging sign," especially in the light of ongoing global headwinds and geopolitical uncertainties.

The decline in imports had also helped in easing a trade deficit, he added.