New Delhi, Nov. 2 -- India's gross Goods and Services Tax (GST) collections rose 22.9% year-on-year to Rs.2.31 lakh crore in October, the second-highest monthly collection since the tax regime was launched in July 2017, driven by strong growth in import-linked revenue. Gross GST collections stood at Rs.2,31,290 crore in October 2026, compared with Rs.1,88,125 crore in October 2025, excluding compensation cess, according to government data released on Sunday. The collections reflect transactions undertaken in September. On a comparable basis, October's collection was the second-highest ever, after the Rs.2,42,702 crore recorded in April 2026. While April 2025 collections were higher at Rs.2,36,716 crore before adjustment, they stood at Rs.2,23,265 crore after deducting Rs.13,451 crore in compensation cess. The cess was levied under the earlier GST regime but is no longer part of collections. Deloitte India partner M S Mani said the October figures were significant because, for the first time, both gross and net GST collections had reached these levels in a normal month. April collections are typically higher because they include year-end reconciliations. GST collections for a particular month reflect business transactions undertaken in the preceding month. Import-linked GST collections led the growth, rising 42.2% year-on-year to Rs.72,246 crore. Collections from domestic transactions grew 15.8% to Rs.1,59,044 crore, the data showed. The stronger growth in import-linked collections may also reflect higher imports of inputs used in manufacturing, rather than consumption alone, experts said. Saurabh Agarwal, tax partner at EY India, said collections could rise further next month on the back of festive demand. "Looking ahead, the festive season should keep demand buoyant, and collections for the coming month are likely to remain strong," he said. He, however, stressed the need to strengthen domestic activity to balance import-led revenue growth....