India to ban Chinese companies from highway projects, says Union Minister Nitin Gadkari

India will t allow Chinese companies to participate in highway projects, including those through joint ventures, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said on Wednesday amid border standoff with China.

Gadakri also said government will ensure that Chinese investors are t entertained in various sectors like Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

senior minister's assertions assume significance against backdrop of border standoff between India and China in Ladakh that also saw death of 20 Indian Army personnel last month.

Amid escalating tensions, government on Monday banned 59 apps, mostly having Chinese links, citing threats to national security.

"We will t give permission to joint ventures that have Chinese partners for road construction. We have taken a firm stand that if y (Chinese companies) come via joint venture in our country, we will t allow it," Gadkari told PTI in an interview.

Road Transport, Highways and MSME minister said a policy will be out soon banning Chinese firms and relaxing rms for Indian companies to expand ir eligibility criteria for participation in highway projects.

Currently only a few projects which were undertaken much earlier involve some Chinese partners. When asked about this, Minister said that new decision will be implemented in current and future tenders.

With respect to existing tenders and future bids, Gadkari said rebidding would be done if re are any Chinese joint ventures.

"We have taken a decision to relax rms for our companies to ensure that y qualify in bidding in large projects. I have directed Highways Secretary (Giridhar Aramane) and NHAI Chairman (SS Sandhu) to hold a meeting for relaxing technical and financial rms so that our companies can qualify to work," he said.

Elaborating on decision, Gadkari said if a contractor can qualify for a small project, he can also qualify for a large project. "Construction rms are t good so I have asked to change it. We are changing it so that we can encour Indian companies," he added.

According to him, qualification rms for projects are being rationalised to ensure Indian companies do t require to enter into pacts with foreign partners to grab projects.

READ | India's Internal And External Security Priority Of Modi Govt: Union Minister Nitin Gadkari

"Even if we have to go for foreign joint venture in areas of techlogy, consultancy or design, we will t allow Chinese," Minister said.

About MSME sector, Gadkari said effort is to enhance capacity of local production but at same time foreign investment is being promoted.

However, he made it clear that despite decision to encour foreign investment, Chinese investors would t be allowed.

"For upgradation of techlogy, research, consultancy and or works, we will encour foreign investment and joint ventures in MSMEs but in case of Chinese we will t entertain m," he said.

On stopping of consignments from China at Indian ports, minister said re is " arbitrary stopping of goods" at Indian ports and government is initiating path-breaking reforms to help MSMEs and businesses in a bid to make country self-reliant.

"It is a good step. imports from China will be discourd and country will take large strides towards self-reliance," Minister said and added that he is among strongest proponents of 'Atmanirbhar Bharat'.

Gadkari said that he had urged departments concerned to expedite clearance of consignments which were booked two to three months in advance before situation took its present shape.

After a representation from a farmers and traders' body that imported agriculture equipment consignments were delayed at ports, Gadkari in a letter to Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Commerce and Industries Minister Piyush Goyal had sought early clearance of said consignments.

re are reports that customs authorities at Chennai and Vishakhapatnam ports are conducting extra scrutiny of consignments from China.

Gadkari, as per information, did t mention name of country from where se equipment were imported.

"Indian business has strength and skills to grow furr and power our journey towards self-reliance. Under strong leadership of PM Narendra Modi, Government of India is proactive and initiating path-breaking reforms that will help businesses and MSMEs," he said.

Most of se equipment, as per information, pertain to spraying devices for pesticide control as same had been diverted to urban areas during COVID-19 pandemic outbreak.

Amid heightened border tensions with China, Indian customs officials have started physical inspection of all consignments coming from neighbouring country specially Chennai and Vishakhapatnam ports. 

READ | COVID-19 Situation A Blessing In Disguise, Says Union Minister Nitin Gadkari

READ | China Tried To Intrude But We Responded: Union Minister Nitin Gadkari