NEW DELHI, Aug. 28 -- India's auto industry is adapting to China's technology and rare-earth restrictions, even as a thaw in bilateral ties raises hopes of easier access.

Chinese firms' reluctance to transfer battery technology to Indian companies and Beijing's continued restrictions on rare earth magnet exports are pushing automakers and component makers to seek alternatives to Chinese technology and supplies.

The contrast is emerging just as India has begun clearing Chinese investments in the auto sector, including one in a Uno Minda joint venture. It also comes ahead of India hosting the BRICS summit on 12 and 13 September, when Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to visit, according to multiple reports.

"As much as we recogniz...