India, Oct. 30 -- China has granted licences to an unspecified number of Indian firms to import rare earth magnets, the external affairs ministry said on Thursday against the backdrop of production of electric vehicles being hit by Beijing's recent restrictions on exports of the key components.

China's move to ease restrictions on the supply of critical minerals came weeks after India raised the issue with the top Chinese leadership amid efforts by the two countries to normalise their relations following the more than four-year military standoff along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

"Yes, we confirm that some Indian companies have received licences for importing rare earth magnets from China," external affairs ministry spokesperson Ra...