New Delhi, Nov. 18 -- India's merchandise exports in October 2025 fell 11.8% to $34.38 billion against $38.98 billion in October 2024 because of a high base effect, the US tariff barrier and a fall petroleum exports even as an import surge on the back of high gold and silver demand widened the trade deficit to a record $41.68 billion. While gold imports jumped over 199% to $14.72 billion in October this year as compared to $4.92 billion in October last year, silver imports surged 529% to $2.72 billion in the month from $433 million in the same month last year, ostensibly because of festive demand, commerce ministry officials said. The government has already restricted imports of certain silver jewellery until March 31, 2026 to check imports...