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New Delhi, July 5
India’s ambassador to China, Vikram Doraiswami, has called for greater access for Indian products in the Chinese market, saying stronger trade and increased Chinese investment in India would benefit the broader relationship between the two neighbours.
Speaking at the World Peace Forum hosted by Tsinghua University in Beijing on Saturday, Doraiswami said India wants to expand exports to China, particularly in sectors where it has established global strength, such as pharmaceuticals.
“There is nothing unreasonable about suggesting that, particularly in areas where we believe we have a competitive advantage such as pharmaceuticals,” he said during a panel discussion on protectionism and global economic governance.
India is among the world’s largest exporters of generic medicines, supplying advanced markets including the United States. The ambassador said he hoped Chinese authorities would also allow more high-quality Indian pharmaceutical products into their market, describing it as a move that would benefit both countries.
Trade remains one of the most significant aspects of India-China relations, despite long-standing tensions and a widening trade imbalance.
India has repeatedly urged China to provide greater market access for its pharmaceutical, information technology and agricultural products, arguing these are sectors where Indian companies are globally competitive.
Doraiswami said he had recently discussed ways to strengthen trade ties with Wang Liping, Director General of the Department of Asian Affairs at China’s Ministry of Commerce.
The ambassador also welcomed greater Chinese investment in India, saying New Delhi had recently taken steps to ease opportunities for Chinese businesses.
“The policy environment has been specifically changed in the last few months to facilitate greater Chinese investment,” he said, describing the two countries’ relationship as moving towards “normalisation”.
He invited Chinese companies to invest in India, saying the Indian embassy was ready to help facilitate investments and address concerns raised by businesses.
Doraiswami said deeper economic engagement would not only strengthen commercial ties but also contribute to improving overall relations between the two Asian neighbours.
