New Delhi: Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal raised the issue of China while traveling in Delhi Metro with German Vice Chancellor Robert Habach. It was even said that if China continues to obstruct the supply, India may stop buying German tunnel boring machines. This conversation was captured on camera. Now it is in the headlines. In this, Goyal is seen saying that the recent actions of China are hampering the sale of Herrenknecht machines to India. Surprised at this, Habek asked, ‘They are producing in China?’ “We should stop buying German equipment now,” Goyal said, shaking his head.
However, the two officials later signed the agreements at Hyderabad House. But, this conversation in the metro surprised everyone.
This incident happened last week
The incident took place before a formal event with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the way to Yashodhara Convention Centre. While riding in the metro last week, Goyal told Germany’s Economic Affairs Minister Habeck, ‘Your German company is supplying us with tunnel boring machines made in China. But, China is not allowing them to be sold to India. We should now stop buying German equipment.
During this conversation, the German Vice Chancellor is seen sitting while Goyal is seen standing near him. However, after hearing this from Goyal, Habek also stood up and said, ‘I think I should listen to you.’
This video was shared on social media by a user named ‘Lord Bebo’ and within a few hours this video went viral. Habach was in Delhi last week as part of a high-level delegation led by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
FDI policy for China remains as it is
In a briefing earlier this year, Goyal had said that India’s FDI policy with respect to China remains the same. Despite this, the Economic Survey suggested considering greater openness. Goyal had said, ‘There is currently no reconsideration to support Chinese investment in the country.’
He said that the recommendations of the Economic Survey are not binding on the government. After the Galwan Valley conflict, India needs approval for FDI from neighboring countries including China from 2020. This conflict had made bilateral relations tense.