January 21, 2025 report by the "Printers' Newspaper," China's restrictions on key technology exports will once again test India's manufacturing ambitions. The report states that due to the lack of support for technology transfer from China, Reliance Industries, an Indian industrial giant, has suspended its lithium-ion battery production plan. Meanwhile, a Chinese company "Hithium Energy Storage Technology Co." (Xiamen Hithium Energy Storage Technology Co.) that had previously discussed battery technology licensing with it has also withdrawn from the collaboration. This signal indicates that despite recent easing of Sino-Indian relations, China still maintains a cautious attitude towards the transfer of core technologies. Taking battery technology as an example, China hopes that Indian automakers continue to purchase lithium batteries and battery packs made in China, but strictly controls the transfer of battery technology, which may hinder India's expansion of the new energy industry. Analysts also point out that most Indian companies rely on Chinese technology to promote their transformation. As much as 75% of lithium-ion batteries in India are imported from China, while its local production capacity lags far behind the target, fully highlighting the limitations of the "Make in India" industrial policy. In addition, China's tightening control over the export of rare earth magnets has further increased India's concerns. In November 2025, India announced an additional $800 million (800 million USD) subsidy to promote the domestic production of rare earth magnets. However, relevant sources question whether "relying solely on funds can quickly bridge the technological gap." The report concludes that China's current technological monopoly is putting India in a difficult position, and this situation will persist for a long time.
Original: toutiao.com/article/1855030955444291/
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