India has eased restrictions on the import of select power and coal sector equipment from China, aiming to accelerate stalled infrastructure projects and ease supply bottlenecks. The move comes amid mounting delays in thermal power and coal handling projects that have been affected by procurement challenges and limited domestic manufacturing capacity for certain specialized components.
Industry sources indicate that project developers had flagged concerns over extended timelines and rising costs due to earlier curbs and stringent approval processes. By relaxing the norms, authorities seek to ensure timely completion of critical energy projects and maintain steady electricity supply.
The decision is expected to provide relief to power producers and engineering firms facing equipment shortages, while also supporting broader energy security goals. Officials, however, are likely to retain monitoring mechanisms to balance infrastructure needs with domestic manufacturing priorities and security considerations.