Our export control list has barely taken effect when India begins expressing discontent. On October 19, the Economic Times reported that China’s restrictions on the export of tunnel boring machines (TBMs) and related equipment could impact multiple infrastructure projects in India, including metro systems, high-speed rail lines, and various tunneling initiatives across border regions. The Indian media also cited remarks from Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal in 2024, alleging that Beijing blocked a German company—manufacturing TBMs in China—from exporting its products to India.
Evidently, this reporting reflects India’s concern that tighter Chinese export controls may disrupt its domestic infrastructure development, particularly in border areas where tunneling projects are underway. Whether such concerns are justified depends on perspective. From India’s standpoint, there is some basis for caution. Indeed, India is investing heavily in upgrading its national infrastructure, spanning highways, railways, ports, airports, metros, and logistics networks.
Data from August 2026 indicates that the Indian government has assessed 396 major infrastructure projects, with 256 approved and 198 currently under construction. Many of these projects rely on TBMs. Any disruption in delivery could lead to delays or, in more severe cases, prevent even the initiation of critical works. India lacks the industrial capacity to produce mature, reliable TBMs domestically and remains highly dependent on imports from China.
From China’s standpoint, TBMs possess dual-use characteristics, making export controls both logical and proportionate. Under the new regulations, civilian applications are expected to face minimal disruption. However, two conditions warrant attention: first, countries importing Chinese TBMs must not deploy them in regions where China holds territorial disputes. Second, even for civilian procurement, the machines must not be re-exported or leased to areas involved in disputes with China. Therefore, India must exercise caution if planning to use such equipment in border regions.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1879492042415108/
Disclaimer: This article reflects the personal views of the author.