India will not allow Chinese companies to participate in highway projects: Gadkari

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has said that India will not allow Chinese companies to participate in highway projects, including those through joint ventures.

Talking to news agency PTI yesterday, Mr Gadkari said the government will ensure that Chinese companies are not entertained in various sectors like Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). He said this is a step towards making India self-reliant (Atmanirbhar), PM Narendra Modi's vision.

The Minister said permission for road construction will not be given to joint ventures that have Chinese partners. He said we have taken a firm stand that if they (Chinese companies) come via a joint venture in our country, we will not allow it.

He also said that a policy will be out soon banning Chinese firms and relaxing norms for Indian companies to expand their eligibility criteria for participation in highway projects. The minister said while foreign investment and joint ventures in MSMEs will be encouraged, the Chinese shall not be entertained.

The development comes in the backdrop of India's decision to ban 59 Chinese apps, including the likes of TikTok and UC Browser, citing threats to national security and data breach concerns.