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Assurance from China: Wang Yi Pledges to Address India’s Concerns on Rare Earths, Fertilisers, and Tunnel-Boring Machines

Published

4 weeks ago

August 19, 2025

In a significant breakthrough, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has assured India that Beijing will address three of New Delhi’s critical concerns — supply of rare-earth minerals, specialty fertilizers, and tunnel-boring machines (TBMs). The pledge was made during high-level discussions between Wang Yi and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar in New Delhi, coinciding with the 24th round of India–China border talks.

For months, these three supply bottlenecks had emerged as stumbling blocks in India–China trade ties, with ripple effects felt across Indian agriculture, industry, and infrastructure projects. Wang Yi’s assurances signal a potential thaw in strained bilateral relations, even as both countries seek to balance strategic competition with pragmatic cooperation.

The Background: Trade and Tensions

India and China have shared a complex economic relationship, where rivalry and interdependence coexist. While bilateral trade crossed $136 billion in 2024, India’s imports from China continue to far outpace its exports, leaving a trade deficit of over $80 billion.

In recent years, Beijing has quietly tightened its grip on certain exports to India. Though not always announced as formal bans, export restrictions were imposed through bureaucratic delays, quarantines, and shipping hurdles. Among the most affected items were:

Rare-earth magnets and minerals — vital for India’s electronics, EVs, and renewable energy sectors.
Specialty fertilizers — essential for high-value crops like horticulture, fruits, and vegetables.
Tunnel-boring machines (TBMs) — crucial for mega infrastructure projects including metros, highways, and the Mumbai–Ahmedabad bullet train.

India saw these restrictions as a form of economic coercion, adding strain to already tense border relations.

Why Rare Earths, Fertilisers, and TBMs Matter

Rare-earth elements may sound niche, but they are the backbone of modern technology. From smartphones and electric cars to defense equipment and wind turbines, rare earth magnets and alloys are indispensable. While India possesses the fifth-largest reserves globally, it lacks sufficient refining and processing capacity, forcing heavy reliance on Chinese imports.

Fertilizer curbs, meanwhile, directly hit Indian farmers. Imports of specialty fertilizers such as water-soluble blends are crucial between June and December, with annual demand touching 150,000–160,000 tonnes. The sudden halt of shipments not only raised prices but also threatened food security and agricultural growth.

As for TBMs, India’s ambitious infrastructure push has created massive demand. These giant machines carve tunnels for metros, railways, and highways. With several Chinese-made TBMs stuck at Indian ports since 2023, projects such as the bullet train and metro expansions suffered delays and cost escalations despite payments being made in advance.

What Changed Now?

The shift comes against the backdrop of renewed diplomatic outreach. India and China have been holding a series of confidence-building talks, not just on border issues but also on trade and economic exchanges. Wang Yi’s visit also precedes Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming trip to China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit.

During talks, Wang Yi reportedly promised to ease export restrictions, a move seen as a goodwill gesture to stabilize ties. Analysts suggest this is part of a broader recalibration by China, which is facing pressure from multiple global partners and is looking to reposition itself as a more reliable trading partner.

A Breather for Indian Industry and Farmers

If these assurances translate into action, the impact could be significant:

Electronics & EV sector: Access to rare-earth magnets will revive supply chains for India’s growing electric vehicle industry and renewable energy ambitions.
Agriculture: Restoring fertilizer shipments will stabilize crop yields and help farmers ahead of the upcoming planting season.
Infrastructure: The release of TBMs will unlock stalled metro and rail projects, potentially saving billions in project overruns.

Industry insiders believe this could also reduce inflationary pressures in sectors directly affected by supply shortages.

Copying Past Patterns: Meerut to Beijing?

Interestingly, this is not the first time China has used export restrictions as leverage. In 2010, Beijing cut off rare-earth supplies to Japan during a diplomatic spat. Similar tactics have been used against Europe and the U.S. in recent years. By lifting restrictions on India now, Beijing may be signaling its intent to rebalance relations, especially as India actively builds alternate supply chains with Australia, the U.S., and Africa.

India’s Push for Self-Reliance

While the assurances from Beijing are welcome, New Delhi has already begun strategic moves to cut dependence on China.

Public sector enterprises are investing in rare-earth refining plants.
Fertilizer companies like Deepak Fertilizers, Nagarjuna, and Paradeep are scaling up domestic manufacturing.
Infrastructure firms are exploring European and Japanese TBM suppliers, though costs remain higher.

This twin-track approach — engaging China while diversifying supply chains — reflects India’s long-term resilience strategy.

Expert Views

Policy analysts view this as a short-term relief, but not a long-term guarantee. Former diplomats caution that China may use trade promises tactically while keeping strategic leverage intact. Industry leaders, however, are optimistic that easing these bottlenecks will accelerate India’s growth trajectory.

Cybersecurity expert and trade analyst Ramesh Chand notes, “China’s gesture is positive, but India must not repeat the mistake of over-dependence. This should be the moment to fast-track our own capacity in rare earths and critical machinery.”

The Road Ahead

The coming months will reveal whether China’s assurances materialize into actual shipments and eased procedures. Even if they do, India is unlikely to lower its guard. Instead, policymakers are expected to continue diversifying trade partnerships while negotiating sectoral safeguards in future agreements.

If fulfilled, Wang Yi’s promise could mark the start of a more stable and pragmatic phase in India–China relations. If not, it may serve as another reminder of the risks of over-reliance.

Final Word

China’s assurance to India on rare-earths, fertilizers, and TBMs is more than just a trade development — it is a strategic signal. It reflects Beijing’s willingness to re-engage and New Delhi’s growing leverage in global supply chains. But as India prepares for the next chapter in its economic rise, the key lesson remains clear: strategic autonomy in critical sectors is not optional, it is essential.

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PM Modi in Mizoram & Manipur: Historic Railway Launch, Development Push, and First Visit Since Manipur Violence

Published

3 days ago

September 13, 2025

Veer Rana

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated Mizoram’s first railway station at Sairang, marking the completion of the ₹8,070 crore Bairabi–Sairang Rail Line, a project that finally connects Aizawl to the Indian Railways network. Despite bad weather preventing him from addressing a rally at Aizawl’s Lammual Ground, PM Modi spoke virtually from Lengpui Airport, describing the day as “historic for Mizoram.”

Mizoram: First Rajdhani Express and New Railway Era

Historic Connectivity: Until now, Mizoram’s rail link was limited to the Silchar–Bairabi route in Assam. The new 51 km Bairabi–Sairang line brings Aizawl onto the national railway map for the first time.
Engineering Marvel: The project comprises 45 tunnels, 55 major bridges, and 88 minor bridges, built through challenging hilly terrain.
Flagged Off Services: PM Modi launched Mizoram’s first Rajdhani Express connecting Sairang to Delhi’s Anand Vihar. Two more services—Sairang–Kolkata Express and Sairang–Guwahati Express—were also inaugurated.
Boost for Growth: The line is expected to cut transport costs, boost trade, tourism, and generate jobs while integrating Mizoram with India’s mainstream economy.

PM Modi said, “This is not just a railway line, it is a lifeline that will transform lives in Mizoram.”

PM Modi on Vote Bank Politics in Northeast

During his speech, the Prime Minister also touched upon the political neglect of the Northeast in the past:

Manipur Visit: First Since Ethnic Violence

After Mizoram, PM Modi headed to Manipur, making his first visit since the ethnic violence of May 2023, which displaced thousands and led to President’s Rule being imposed in February 2025.

Churachandpur Visit: Modi is expected to meet internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Churachandpur, a Kuki-majority district.
Imphal Programmes: In the Meitei-dominated capital, Imphal, he will inaugurate and lay foundation stones for projects worth over ₹3,600 crore, including roads, highways, IT infrastructure, working women’s hostels, and the Ima Markets (the world’s largest all-women-run market).
Symbolic Visit: His visit to both Kuki and Meitei areas is being seen as a strong message of reconciliation and inclusive development.

PM Modi posted on X:
“I will be attending programmes in Churachandpur and Imphal tomorrow. We are fully committed to inclusive and all-round development of Manipur.”

₹71,000 Crore Push for Northeast

The PM’s three-day tour across five Northeastern states includes projects worth over ₹71,000 crore, spanning railways, highways, power, digital infrastructure, and social development initiatives. Officials call it one of the biggest-ever development drives in the region.

Why This Visit Matters

First railway connectivity for Mizoram’s capital.
First Prime Ministerial visit to Manipur since ethnic conflict.
Strong message of inclusive growth and ending neglect of the Northeast.
Massive development boost across five states.

This moment marks both a historic leap in connectivity and a politically significant outreach to one of India’s most sensitive regions.

News

PM Modi Inaugurates Mizoram’s First Railway Station: Key Details of the Bairabi–Sairang Rail Project

Published

3 days ago

September 12, 2025

Veer Rana

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Mizoram’s first-ever railway station at Sairang, marking a historic milestone in India’s connectivity drive. The launch of the Bairabi–Sairang New Rail Line Project, valued at over ₹8,070 crore, officially brings Mizoram’s capital onto the Indian Railways map for the first time.

🚉 Historic Railway Inauguration

On Saturday, PM Modi flagged off the first trains from the Sairang railway station, situated about 12 km from Aizawl. This fulfills a long-standing national vision to connect all state capitals in India’s Northeast by rail.

The inauguration was hailed as a landmark moment of inclusive development, aimed at strengthening integration of the Northeast with the rest of the country.

📌 Key Details of the Bairabi–Sairang Project

Length & Route: 51.38 km of railway line built through rugged, hilly terrain of Mizoram.
Engineering Marvel: The project includes 48 tunnels, 142 bridges (55 major, 87 minor), road overbridges, and underbridges.
- Highlight: Bridge No. 196, standing 104 meters tall, is taller than Delhi’s Qutub Minar, making it the highest bridge in Mizoram and the second-highest pier bridge in Indian Railways.
Cost & Timeline: Conceived in 1999, the line was completed at a cost of ₹8,070 crore after decades of engineering challenges including landslides and difficult weather.

🌏 Connectivity & Socio-Economic Impact

Regional Link: Aizawl is now the fourth northeastern capital (after Guwahati, Agartala, and Itanagar) connected to the national railway grid.
Trade & Tourism: The line will reduce dependence on roadways, cut travel costs, and make Mizoram more accessible for business, tourism, and employment.
Future Prospects: Plans are underway to extend the line further toward the Myanmar border, tying in with the Kaladan Multimodal Transit Project, opening new international trade opportunities.

🚄 Inaugural Train Services

Mizoram’s First Rajdhani Express: Connecting Sairang directly to Anand Vihar Terminal (Delhi), covering 2,510 km in 43 hours.
New Express Trains: Direct links to Kolkata and Guwahati, ensuring faster and more reliable connectivity for residents.

🏗️ Symbol of Inclusive Growth

Mizoram Governor and Railway Minister hailed the project as a symbol of inclusive national development, bridging geographic isolation with modern infrastructure.

PM Modi emphasized that such projects embody India’s vision of ensuring equal progress in every corner of the country, no matter how remote.

📖 Conclusion

The inauguration of the Bairabi–Sairang rail line is more than a transport milestone—it represents integration, opportunity, and growth for Mizoram and the entire Northeast. From cutting travel time to enhancing economic prospects, the project is poised to transform the lives of lakhs of people, while also showcasing India’s engineering prowess in one of the country’s most challenging terrains.

News

Delhi Police Busts ISI Spy Module: Nepali Man Held for Sending Indian SIM Cards to Pakistan

Published

5 days ago

September 10, 2025

Veer Rana

The Delhi Police Special Cell has busted a major espionage racket linked to Pakistan’s intelligence agency ISI and arrested a 43-year-old Nepali citizen, Prabhat Kumar Chaurasia, for supplying Indian SIM cards that were being used in Pakistan.

According to officials, Chaurasia had procured 16 Indian SIM cards (Airtel and Jio) using his Aadhaar card. Out of these, 11 SIM cards were traced as active on WhatsApp in Pakistan, in cities like Lahore and Bahawalpur. The SIM cards were smuggled through Nepal to ISI handlers, who used them to attempt contact with Indian Army officials.

Attempts to Extract Sensitive Defence Information

Police investigations revealed that Chaurasia had been in touch with ISI operatives since 2024. The Pakistani agency allegedly lured him with promises of a US visa and a career in journalism abroad in exchange for his services.

Through the WhatsApp accounts registered on these Indian SIMs, attempts were being made to extract sensitive defence-related information. Delhi Police has registered a case under sections 61(2)/152 of the BNS at the PS Special Cell and further interrogation of the accused is underway to uncover wider links.

Pakistan’s Continued Espionage Attempts

This case adds to a long list of espionage attempts by Pakistan that Indian security agencies have foiled over the years. By exploiting loopholes in telecom systems and targeting vulnerable individuals with financial or career incentives, ISI has repeatedly tried to infiltrate Indian defence communications.

Officials pointed out that routing SIM cards through Nepal is a known ISI tactic to bypass direct detection. The fresh module’s bust highlights how Pakistan continues to adopt underhanded methods to destabilise India and gather intelligence.

Timing Amid Strained India-Pakistan Relations

The incident comes against the backdrop of tense India-Pakistan ties, particularly after the recent Pahalgam terror attack, where India publicly exposed Pakistan’s role before the international community. This exposure has reportedly irked Islamabad, prompting renewed espionage efforts.

Indian agencies, however, remain vigilant. The arrest of Chaurasia and the exposure of this spy module is seen as a major success in neutralising Pakistan’s covert operations.

Significance of the Bust

Prevented possible leaks of defence information.
Exposed ISI’s recruitment tactics using false promises of foreign visas and careers.
Highlighted the use of telecom loopholes (routing SIMs via Nepal).
Strengthened India’s counter-espionage operations at a sensitive time in regional security.