India to develop tunnel boring machines domestically if China restricts exports

India is prepared to develop its own tunnel boring machine (TBM) technology domestically if China imposes export restrictions on the equipment, according to Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal. The statement underscores New Delhi's broader strategy to reduce reliance on Chinese inputs across critical sectors, particularly in infrastructure and manufacturing.

Goyal indicated that India is already working to build alternative supply chains for crucial materials and components. The government is particularly focused on reducing dependence on rare earth elements, which are essential for numerous industrial applications but where China currently dominates global supply chains.

To counter this vulnerability, Indian start-ups are reportedly developing advanced motors and other critical components that function without rare-earth materials. These initiatives form part of a wider effort to strengthen domestic manufacturing capabilities and reduce single-source dependencies.

The comments reflect growing concerns about supply chain resilience in India, particularly given geopolitical tensions and the critical role of infrastructure development in the country's economic growth plans. By building indigenous capabilities in high-technology sectors, India aims to insulate its economy from potential disruptions while simultaneously boosting domestic industrial competitiveness.

These efforts align with the government's broader 'Make in India' initiative and recent policy push to develop strategic autonomy in key sectors.