Summary New Delhi has reportedly barred use of made-in China components in military drones
NEW DELHI (Reuters/Web Desk) - India's imports from China across at least 25 major commodity groups such as consumer electronics, auto components, and iron and steel products rose in fiscal 2023, the government told parliament on Wednesday.
The statement, which listed Chinese imports in a total of 31 commodity groups, comes amid New Delhi's concerted efforts to reduce its trade deficit with China since border tensions flared in 2020.
Imports of electronics instruments from China grew 14% year-on-year in fiscal 2023, while imports of organic chemicals imports and iron and steel products rose 9% and 12.3%, respectively, as per the statement.
Meanwhile, imports of all listed commodity groups were higher than shipments in fiscal 2021.
The statement comes as Reuters earlier reported that India in recent months had barred domestic manufacturers of military drones from using components made in China over concerns about security vulnerabilities, according to four defence and industry officials and documents reviewed by Reuters.
Read more: India bars makers of military drones from using Chinese parts
The measure has been taken amid tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbours and as New Delhi pursues a military modernisation that envisages greater use of unmanned quadcopters, long-endurance systems and other autonomous platforms.
Last week, India mandated a licence for the import of laptops, tablets and personal computers to boost domestic manufacturing and curb supplies from China.
The mandate, which comes into effect from November 2023, is part of a string of measures over the past few years targeting Chinese products and investment.
India's trade gap with China widened 13.5 per cent in fiscal 2023 year-on-year, as India's strong domestic demand continued to support Chinese imports while COVID lockdowns in China crimped imports from India.
