<h1>India's April 2017 foreign trade: Exports up 19.77%, imports up 49.07%, trade deficit widens; oil imports surge.</h1> India's foreign trade in April 2017 saw significant growth, with merchandise exports increasing by 19.77% in dollar terms compared to April 2016, reaching US$ 24,635.09 million. Imports rose by 49.07% to US$ 37,884.28 million, leading to a trade deficit of US$ 13,249.19 million, a substantial increase from the previous year. Oil imports were notably higher due to increased global prices. In services, March 2017 exports grew by 8.57%, while imports rose by 14.26%. Overall, the trade deficit for April-March 2016-17 was 16.87% lower than the previous fiscal year, indicating an improved trade balance.