Mumbai, July 7 -- India has allowed four China linked power equipment manufacturers with production facilities in the country to participate in government tenders for critical power transmission projects. The Ministry of Finance granted a two year exemption to TBEA Energy, Nanjing Electric India, New Northeast Electric India and Taikai Electric (India), enabling them to bid for select government contracts on 24 June after a recommendation from the Ministry of Power. The government clarified that the approval applies only to these companies and should not be treated as a precedent for other firms.
The move reflects a calibrated easing of procurement restrictions introduced after the 2020 India China border tensions and is aimed at accelerating expansion of the electricity transmission network to meet rising demand. Industry participants said that expansion requires specialised equipment in categories where domestic manufacturing capacity remains constrained. The exemption is framed as a sector specific policy adjustment rather than a rollback of broader restrictions, with the government retaining oversight over participation by foreign linked companies in strategic infrastructure.
The decision prompted a negative market reaction as shares of several listed power equipment manufacturers fell amid concerns about increased competition in government tenders. Investors assessed that the decision would affect order flows for domestic manufacturers operating in the transmission equipment segment, raising near term uncertainty for some firms. Officials indicated that exemptions would be granted selectively to avoid undue disruption to domestic industry while ensuring project timelines.
The ministry stated that the adjustment is limited in scope and time bound to allow critical projects to proceed without delay while domestic capacity is strengthened. The approach seeks to balance the objectives of promoting indigenous manufacturing and meeting urgent infrastructure delivery imperatives. The exemption will remain under review as the government monitors supply chains and onshore production capabilities.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Construction World.