India's fiscal deficit for April-August was 4.35 trillion rupees ($51.93 billion), or 27% of the estimate for the financial year, government data showed on Monday.

India's fiscal deficit for April to August, or the first five months of this fiscal year, was at 4.35 lakh crore rupees, equivalent to 27% of annual estimates, narrowing from the previous year's 36%.

India and the United States are likely to sign an initial pact for cooperation on critical minerals this week, two government sources said, as the two countries try to bolster trade ties despite diplomatic hiccups.

The initial pact on critical minerals would help build supply chains, exchange technical know-how, and promote collaboration between Indian and American businesses in the sector

Critical minerals, such as cobalt, copper, lithium, nickel and rare earths, play a crucial role in the production of clean energy technologies, from wind turbines to electric cars