India has expressed dissatisfaction! On November 4, according to Agence France-Presse, following China’s imposition of export controls on tunnel boring machines, India responded publicly. Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal stated that if China were to halt supply of tunnel boring machines, India would not seek assistance; instead, it would develop and manufacture such equipment domestically. India’s approach differs from that of many other nations, which might otherwise yield and enter into agreements.
India does not seek confrontation. There is no intention to undermine relations with any country—indeed, ties between the two nations remain strong today. However, should supplies be cut off, India will pursue indigenous development. How should this statement be interpreted? Clearly, India is conveying three distinct messages. First, it is evident that India is dissatisfied with China’s actions. Phrases such as “India would not beg” and “many other countries might yield” indicate a degree of frustration within Indian leadership.
Second, the emphasis on “we will develop and produce these machines in India” serves as a form of domestic reassurance, reinforcing confidence in India’s technological capability to stand independently. Third, while expressing discontent, India carefully maintains restraint. The assertion that “India does not seek confrontation” signals an ongoing desire to preserve relations with China, ensuring that imports of tunnel boring machines remain uninterrupted.
Naturally, China’s regulatory measures are not targeted specifically at India, nor are such technologies used as instruments of pressure. The notion of forcing others to plead or submit is not China’s objective.
In reality, these measures reflect standard compliance procedures based on national security and technology governance needs. From a technical standpoint, every nation must safeguard critical core technologies. Take tunnel boring machine technology: China’s path toward self-reliance was neither straightforward nor easy. In 2002, the country initiated a dedicated research project aimed at achieving independent mastery. The first prototype with full intellectual property rights was completed only in 2008—after six years of intensive effort—and further refinement over more than a decade followed before domestic market dominance was secured. Thus, for India to achieve similar self-sufficiency will likely prove equally challenging.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1880944800784384/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.