Nirmala Sitharaman Flags China’s Trade Barriers to India
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has identified China’s non-tariff trade barriers as the biggest obstacle to improving India-China economic relations. Speaking at the IMF-World Bank Annual Meetings in Bangkok on Friday, October 16, 2026, she said restrictions on Indian exports were contributing to a widening bilateral trade deficit despite years of negotiations with Beijing.
India Raises Concerns Over China’s Trade Restrictions
Sitharaman said China continued to restrict market access for Indian products, including generic medicines, bovine meat, vegetables and other perishable goods.
She highlighted phytosanitary regulations, which are intended to protect against pests and diseases, as one category of non-tariff barriers affecting Indian exporters.
The Finance Minister maintained that India had repeatedly raised these concerns with Chinese authorities over the past decade without achieving substantial progress.
India-China Trade Deficit Remains a Major Challenge
Sitharaman expressed concern over the growing trade imbalance between India and China, noting that Indian businesses faced difficulties entering sectors where they were internationally competitive.
She emphasised that New Delhi preferred negotiations over punitive tariffs when addressing trade disputes.
According to the minister, India has consistently pursued dialogue with Beijing to secure more equitable market access rather than immediately introducing retaliatory trade restrictions.
Sitharaman Calls for Early India-US Trade Agreement
The Finance Minister also expressed hope that the proposed India-US bilateral trade agreement would be concluded soon.
Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal had announced on October 15 that the first phase of the agreement was finalised and undergoing legal drafting.
Addressing BRICS cooperation, Sitharaman said the grouping should focus on economic development and public welfare rather than positioning itself against other countries.
She also highlighted India’s infrastructure investment, fiscal management and public capital expenditure as important contributors to economic growth.
Her remarks underscored India’s efforts to strengthen international trade partnerships while addressing persistent market access challenges.
