India’s merchandise exports jump by 17.25% in Oct
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 on Thursday said it had not heard anything officially from the United States that it had been granted a waiver from sanctions on Iran, adding it was constantly in touch with Washington, Tehran, and other stakeholders on the issue.
The US was aware of New Delhi’s position that Iran was critical for India to meet its energy needs and sustain its economic growth, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said at a media briefing when his attention was drawn to reports that the Donald Trump administration had allowed India to continue importing oil from the Islamic nation until March.
The spokesperson recalled that Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had stated after India-US ‘2+2’ dialogue in early September that Iran-related sanctions were not intended to hurt India.
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India, the spokesperson added, would do everything to see that its energy security was not compromised and national interests were protected.
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