Archive · 27 Aug 2026
India, China Explore Investment Framework Ahead of BRICS Summit
India and China are talking about ways to increase business and investment between them.
The discussions could lead to an investment package announced during the BRICS summit.
One idea is to create a special economic zone with easier access to sea routes.
Another idea is an export zone in India funded by China.
Chinese electric-car companies such as BYD might get better access to Indian customers.
India may make it easier for Chinese companies to invest in some non-sensitive industries.
However, restrictions would remain for defence, border-related, and other sensitive projects.
India also wants China to provide steadier access to technology and materials while buying more goods from India.
India and China are discussing a possible investment framework after years of strained economic relations.
Proposals include a special economic zone and an export processing zone in India funded by China.
Chinese electric vehicle makers, including BYD, could receive greater access to the Indian market.
India is considering easing approvals for Chinese investments in non-strategic sectors, while retaining restrictions on sensitive areas.
New Delhi is seeking more reliable Chinese access to technology and critical raw materials, along with increased Indian exports to China.
- Who
- The governments of India and China, with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Chinese companies such as BYD involved in the proposals.
- What
- They are exploring an investment framework that could include economic zones, Chinese investment in India, and expanded market access.
- When
- The proposals may be announced during the BRICS summit; Xi Jinping’s prospective visit would be his first trip to India since 2019.
- Where
- The proposed projects would be located in India, including areas with access to sea routes; restrictions would continue along the Line of Actual Control and in other sensitive locations.
- Why
- The countries seek to gradually improve relations, expand trade and investment, secure technology and critical raw materials, and reduce India’s trade deficit with China.
India’s priorities
China’s priorities
Market and trade access
India’s priorities
India wants greater Chinese investment, more imports of Indian industrial goods, and a narrower trade deficit.
China’s priorities
China is seeking greater access for its electric vehicle makers and other companies to the Indian market.
Investment conditions
India’s priorities
India is considering easing approvals only for non-strategic sectors while maintaining restrictions around defence, the Line of Actual Control, and other sensitive areas.
China’s priorities
China is interested in announcing investments, including possible funding for an export processing zone in India.
Supply chains and technology
India’s priorities
India wants smoother and more predictable access to Chinese technology and critical raw materials.
China’s priorities
The proposals are part of China’s broader effort to use investment and trade to gradually improve bilateral relations after a six-year freeze.
- Possible announcement
- An investment package may be unveiled during the BRICS summit.
- Special economic zone
- One proposal would provide easier access to sea routes.
- Export processing zone
- China could fund an export processing zone in India to support exports to third countries.
- Electric vehicles
- Greater Indian market access for Chinese EV makers, including BYD, is under discussion.
- Investment approvals
- India is examining further easing of approvals for Chinese investment in non-strategic sectors.
- Restrictions
- Limits would remain for projects along the Line of Actual Control, defence, and other sensitive sectors.
- India’s requests
- New Delhi wants more predictable access to Chinese technology and critical raw materials, as well as increased Chinese imports from India.