China Lifts Export Bans on Three Key Sectors for India

Darwin, August 20 — China has announced the lifting of export restrictions on three critical sectors imposed on India. As a result, exports of rare earth elements, fertilizers, and tunnel-boring machines to India are set to resume.

According to a report by Russia Today, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi gave this assurance during a meeting with Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar in New Delhi on Monday.

Wang Yi stated that, following India’s request, Beijing has already taken action, and some shipments have already been delivered.

Indian government sources confirmed that the suspension of Chinese exports in these three sectors over the past few months had caused significant disruptions—particularly a shortage of rare earth elements, which was impacting India’s aerospace, semiconductor, and automobile industries.

The agriculture sector was affected by fertilizer shortages, while infrastructure development faced delays due to the lack of tunnel-boring machines.

In April, China had imposed restrictions on the export of seven types of medium and heavy rare earth elements and certain magnet-based products. It had also limited exports of fertilizers and tunnel-boring equipment.

However, after intense diplomatic discussions, the Indian government successfully persuaded China to lift the bans.

Wang Yi is currently on a three-day visit to India, during which he is scheduled to hold border talks with India’s National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

During the meeting, Jaishankar emphasized that India seeks a “stable, cooperative, and forward-looking relationship” with China. Wang Yi responded by stating that relations between the two countries are progressing positively.

He further noted that in today’s world, unilateralism and economic coercion are increasing, posing threats to global trade and supply chains. Therefore, major powers like India and China must act responsibly and contribute to building a multipolar global order.

Analysts believe this renewed cooperation could open a new chapter in India-China relations, especially in the context of heightened U.S. tariff policies, potentially increasing mutual dependence between New Delhi and Beijing.