The Union government is considering lifting restrictions imposed in 2020 on Chinese companies bidding for Indian government contracts, the Congress alleged on Friday citing a Reuters report.
The report quoting unidentified officials, cited by the Congress, said that the Union finance ministry is planning to scrap the restrictions in view of “reduced border tensions”.
One of the officials told Reuters on Thursday that work was underway to remove requirements for Chinese bidders to register with a government committee. However, the officials were quoted as saying that the decision would require approval from the Prime Minister’s Office.
On Friday, Congress’ communications head Jairam Ramesh described the decision as a reversal of India’s China policy and demanded an explanation from Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the upcoming Budget Session of Parliament.
“This move follows earlier decisions allowing Chinese firms to invest in India’s electronics sector, liberally granting visas to Chinese workers, and comes amid a continuing rise in India’s record trade deficit with China,” Ramesh said on social media.
He said that the report about the restrictions being lifted had come just eight months after Beijing provided what he described as “full military backing (and fronting)” to Pakistan during Operation Sindoor in May, and after China was publicly described by the Indian military as one of its…
Source: Congress claims Centre planning to ease curbs on Chinese firms, cites report
