Sri Lanka, Nov. 18 -- India's goods exports to the US rose for the first time in five months in October, jumping 14.5% from September, even as Donald Trump's steep tariffs remain in place.

Exports to India's largest foreign market had dropped sharply last month after 50% US tariffs on India - including a 25% penalty for buying Russian oil - kicked in on 27 August.

The improved data came as Indian state-run oil firms agreed to import more annual liquified petroleum gas (LPG) from the US and Trump exempted many farm goods from reciprocal tariffs that could benefit India.

Trade deal negotiations between the two countries are under way, with an Indian official saying that key aspects of the deal were nearing closure.

The jump in exports t...