India’s ambitious push for electric vehicles (EVs) to combat pollution and reduce fossil fuel dependence may inadvertently lead to a large-scale entry of Chinese firms into the domestic market. A Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) report warns that China’s automotive industry, buoyed by substantial state support, has rapidly advanced in EV technology, making it a leading exporter of EVs and related components. In 2022-23, India’s auto component imports stood at $20.3 billion, with 30 per cent originating from China.

As EVs gain greater focus in the country, this dependence on Chinese imports may further increase due to China’s…