NEW DELHI, June 16 -- India's merchandise exports climbed 18% in May, led by outbound shipments of engineering goods, petroleum products and electronics goods. Merchandise exports were estimated at $45.20 billion last month, up from $38.30 billion a year earlier, according to provisional data released by the ministry of commerce and industry on Monday. Imports climbed 20.6% to $73.41 billion from $60.86 billion. The trade deficit widened to $28.21 billion from $22.56 billion in May last year. Services exports rose to $36.76 billion in May from $32.46 billion a year earlier, while services imports rose to $19.06 billion from $16.70 billion. The overall trade deficit, including services, widened to $10.51 billion in May from $6.79 billion a year ago. Total exports, including merchandise and services, rose to $81.96 billion from $70.76 billion, while total imports increased to $92.47 billion from $77.55 billion. "Indian exports showed a good degree of resilience. It does appear that exporters have adjusted to the current global economic order and managed to hold on to their position three months into the war. Imports trended higher due to higher crude prices which thus kept the deficit higher," said Madan Sabnavis, chief economist at Bank of Baroda. Exports of engineering goods rose 24.5% to $12.3 billion in May. Petroleum product exports climbed 54.9% to $8.4 billion and outbound shipments of electronic goods increased 11.6% to $5.1 billion. Among imports, petroleum, crude and products surged 53.8% to $22.67 billion, electronics goods increased 35.5% to $12.1 billion and electrical and non-electrical machinery rose 11.6% to 5.58 billion. Gold imports climbed 34% to $3.4 billion last month, while silver imports fell 87% to $75.6 million. The provisional data was released by the ministry after the US and Iran agreed to a peace deal that would ease tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for energy shipments and global trade. The deal is expected to improve India's trade and energy outlook, with exporters and industry groups expecting lower freight costs, steadier supply chains and reduced volatility in Gulf-linked markets. The US-Iran war had led to a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, curbing the flow of goods to ports in the Persian Gulf and prompting exporters to opt for alternative trade routes, often at higher costs....