India on Thursday imposed restrictions on imports of colour television sets, intending to encourage local manufacturing and check imports from China.
Colour television sets worth $781 million were imported in the year ended 31 March, most of which came from Vietnam ($428 million) and China ($292 million).“Actual user conditions would not be applicable for importers applying for an authorization to import the goods ‘restricted’ in this notification. The procedure for grant of license will be separately issued by DGFT (Directorate General of Foreign Trade),” the notification said.
Chinese imports and investments have been facing intense scrutiny in India after a border clash left 20 Indian soldiers and an unspecified number of Chinese troops dead.India is aiming at limiting trade links with China as part of a policy to cut dependence on its northern neighbour. The government in April notified changes to its foreign direct investment (FDI) policy by mandating government clearance for all FDI inflows from countries with whom it shares land borders.
India has cancelled railway and road tenders secured by Chinese companies.
It has also banned 59 Chinese apps, including TikTok, on national security grounds.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said India needs to end its dependence on import of solar panels, which are mostly sourced from China.
Earlier this month, power minister R.K. Singh announced India will not allow the import of power equipment from China and Pakistan because of cybersecurity threats.
Last week, India restricted Chinese companies from participating in public procurement bids by India without approval from competent authorities citing defence and national security.