India plans to lift curbs on Chinese firms bidding for government contracts.

India's finance ministry is reported to be planning to remove the 2020 registration and clearance requirements for Chinese firms bidding on government contracts; the final decision is reported to rest with the prime minister's office.

India's finance ministry is reported to be planning to remove the 2020 registration and clearance requirements for Chinese firms bidding on government contracts. The measures were introduced after a 2020 border clash and had required Chinese bidders to register with an Indian government committee and obtain political and security clearances. Officials say the change is intended to revive commercial ties amid eased diplomatic and border tensions. The final decision is reported to rest with the prime minister's office. Key points: - Officials are reported to be working to remove the registration requirement for bidders from bordering nations. - The 2020 curbs required registration and political and security clearances and effectively blocked many Chinese firms from competing for Indian government contracts. - Sources said the prime minister's office will make the final decision. - Some government departments are reported to have sought exemptions, citing shortages and project delays linked to the restrictions. Summary: If implemented, the reported change would reverse procurement limits put in place in 2020 and follow calls from certain ministries and a high-level committee to ease restrictions. The prime minister's office is reported to hold final authority; public confirmation and timing are undetermined at this time.