New Delhi, Dec. 16 -- India's trade deficit narrowed sharply in November as imports fell and exports rose, offering relief on the external balance after a sharp widening in October. The gap between imports and exports eased to $24.53 billion in November, the commerce ministry data showed on Monday. This marks a substantial improvement from October's deficit of $41.68 billion. Merchandise imports stood at $62.66 billion in November, while exports were at $38.13 billion. The trade gap contracted month-on-month on lower imports, suggesting easing pressure from commodities and discretionary inbound shipments. The November numbers point to a correction after the spike seen in October, when imports had surged to $76.06 billion against exports of $34.38 billion, pushing the deficit to its highest level in several months, said commerce secretary Rajesh Agarwal. The trend also indicates stabilization year-on-year as November's deficit is significantly lower than levels seen earlier, supported by steady exports. A narrower trade gap offers relief when policymakers are closely monitoring external sector risks amid volatile global commodity prices and slowing demand in key overseas markets. It is also expected to provide some cushion to the current account and support macroeconomic stability in the near term. However, a sustained improvement will depend on the durability of export demand and the trajectory of imports in the coming months, Agarwal said. Merchandise exports increased to $38.13 billion in November 2025 from $31.94 billion a year earlier, while services exports rose to $35.86 billion from $32.11 billion. Merchandise imports declined to $62.66 billion from $63.87 billion a year ago, while services imports edged up to $17.96 billion from $17.25 billion. For the April-November 2025 period, exports of goods stood at $292.07 billion, up from $284.60 billion in the same period last year. Imports also rose to $515.21 billion from $487.93 billion a year earlier. Engineering goods continued to lead India's export basket during April-November 2025, with shipments valued at $79.74 billion, followed by petroleum products at $38.00 billion. Electronic goods exports rose sharply to $31.10 billion, while drugs and pharmaceuticals stood at $20.48 billion. Other major export sectors included gems and jewellery ($19.13 billion), organic and inorganic chemicals ($18.70 billion), readymade garments of all textiles ($10.08 billion), cotton yarn, fabrics and made-ups ($7.61 billion), rice ($7.30 billion) and marine products ($5.75 billion). Petroleum product exports declined from $44.58 billion in April-November 2024 to $38 billion in the current fiscal period. Imports of petroleum products also moderated, falling from $127.84 billion to $121.03 billion, according to the data. The US remained India's largest export destination during April-November 2025, with exports rising 11.4% year-on-year to $59.04 billion from $53.01 billion in 2024 (April-November)....