India-China Relations Ease as Indian Delegation Visits China For the first time in over five years, a delegation of Indian businesses visited China, marking a significant step in the gradual thawing of strained ties between the two nations. The visit, which took place between March 29 and April 4, saw eight Indian companies engage with Chinese firms in Shanghai, Zhejiang, and Wuxi, according to Ranjeet Mehta, secretary general and CEO of the Indian trade body PHD Chamber of Commerce & Industry. The delegation focused on exploring collaborations in electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, battery solutions, and renewable energy technologies, areas critical to India’s energy security and economic growth. The timing of the visit coincided with heightened global energy volatility, driven by the ongoing Iran war and its impact on supply chains. India, the world’s third-largest oil importer and second-largest consumer of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), has long relied on oil and gas supplies transiting the Strait of Hormuz. Recent disruptions in this critical route have exposed India’s vulnerability to energy price shocks and supply chain instability, prompting a renewed interest in diversifying its energy partnerships. Mehta emphasized that energy security is now a top priority for India, especially amid the challenges posed by the Middle East conflict. The Indian delegation’s focus on renewable energy and EV technologies reflects broader strategic goals. India aims to have electric vehicles account for 30% of total car sales by 2030, but adoption has been hindered by inadequate charging infrastructure and persistent range anxiety among consumers.#india #china #shanghai_cooperation_organization #phd_chamber_of_commerce_and_industry #ranjeet_mehta
