Gold imports at 42 bn during Apr-Jan

8220;India8217;s gold imports have increased in recent years reflecting the increasing size of domestic gold market,8221; Meena said.

Gold imports in 2010-11 were pegged at USD 40.5 billion,while in 2009-10 they amounted to USD 28.6 billion.

According to a report of the working group of Reserve Bank,gold is imported in India mainly through the designated banks and MMTC.

During 2011-12,gold imports through designated banks were estimated to be 603 tonne,or 56 per cent of total gold imports.

In a separate reply,Meena said India8217;s total external debt at the end of September is estimated at USD 365 billion.

High gold imports are putting pressure on the country8217;s Current Account Deficit CAD,which touched a peak of 5.4 per cent of the GDP in the July-September quarter.

The government has taken a number of steps to check import of the precious metal by hiking duty and also linking gold deposit schemes of banks with Exchange Traded Funds of mutual funds.