No Shift in India's Stance on Chinese Investments, Says Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal

Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal clarified that there has been no change in the government's position on Chinese investments, despite views expressed in the Economic Survey. He asserted that the government continues to scrutinize Chinese investments and rejected allegations of India becoming overly dependent on China under the current administration.

Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal on Tuesday reaffirmed that there has been no change in the government's stance on Chinese investments. He clarified that the opinions presented in the Economic Survey do not reflect the government's official position.

Responding during the Question Hour in Lok Sabha, Goyal addressed allegations from Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi, who claimed that India has grown increasingly reliant on China. Goyal retorted by criticizing the previous United Progressive Alliance (UPA) administration, accusing it of significantly boosting imports from China.

Goyal pointed out that while imports surged tenfold under UPA rule, they increased by only 2-2.5 times during the NDA government. He emphasized that the current administration is committed to scrutinizing Chinese investments rigorously and has not altered its policy on the matter. The pre-budget Economic Survey had suggested that attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) from China could benefit local manufacturing and export markets.

(With inputs from agencies.)