Trade deficit of India doubled to $27 billion from $14.42 billion a year ago. Imports rose to 24% led by gold and silver. In Feb exports rose by 11% and reached $76.11 billion and imports up by 21.64% to $80.09 billion increasing the trade deficit to $3.96 billion. Commerce Secretary Mr. Rajesh Agarwal said things would be difficult and would be in the same way in March also as logistics bottlenecks are squeezed due to Gulf war. Exporters has sought govt. intervention after the Middle East has started to impose extra war-risk surcharge on cargo.