(IDEX Online) - India's overall exports of polished diamonds totaled $2.25bn in April, up slightly on $2.16bn in March, according to new figures from the Gems and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC).The industry appeared to hold firm despite the devastating surge in Covid infections and deaths throughout the month.The seven-day average number of daily deaths was 350 at the start of April, increasing day on day to over 3,500 by the month end.Overall gross exports of all gems and jewelry were $3.3bn in April, down marginally from $3.4bn in March.Total imports were $2.2bn, also down slightly on $ 2.3bn the previous month.Trade had slowed to a virtual halt last April because of the global pandemic. Exports were just $36m and imports $9m.Generic pic of diamond polishing in Surat, India