New Delhi, May 13 (IANS): India's exports increased 1.68 percent to $24.16 billion in April, from $23.76 billion during the corresponding month of last year, government data showed Monday. The rise was for the fourth straight month.

Exports had increased by 6.97 percent at $30.84 billion in March, from $28.83 billion in the like period of 2012.

India's imports in April grew at a faster pace, compared to exports, by 10.96 percent to $41.95 billion, over the level of imports valued at $37.80 billion during April 2012.

Imports during March grew at a slower pace, in comparison to exports, at 2.87 percent at $41.16 billion from $42.38 billion in the same month of 2012.

According to the commerce ministry, the trade deficit in the month under review grew to $17.78 billion from $14.04 billion during the corresponding month of last year.

Oil imports during April were higher by 3.92 percent valued at $14.08 billion from $13.55 billion in the corresponding month last year. Non-oil imports during the last month grew by 14.90 percent at $27.86 billion from $24.25 billion in April 2012.

Oil imports during March were lower by 16.56 percent valued at $13.32 billion from $15.97 billion in the corresponding month last year. Non-oil imports during the last month grew by 5.41 percent at $27.83 billion from $26.40 billion in March 2013.