China has told India that it has removed export restrictions on three key items: fertilisers, rare earth magnets and minerals, and tunnel boring machines, according to sources.

The breakthrough comes after External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar raised these demands in a meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi last month. Wang Yi is currently on a three-day visit to India. On Monday, he reportedly assured Jaishankar that Beijing had already begun acting on India’s requests. Reports also suggest that shipments of the critical items have already started.

India had earlier expressed concern over China’s sudden export restrictions on these products. The curbs had created hurdles in the agriculture and infrastructure sectors.

During the Rabi season, the supply of Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP), a vital fertiliser, was hit after the restrictions were imposed. In addition, delays in shipments of tunnel boring machines affected major infrastructure projects, including those linked to foreign companies that depend on Chinese manufacturing plants.

The decision to lift the ban is being seen as a major relief for India, especially since the three items are considered crucial for the country’s food security, technology development, and infrastructure growth.

During the meeting, Dr Jaishankar stressed that India and China must move forward with “mutual respect, mutual sensitivity, and mutual interest”, adding that differences should not become disputes. He also said both sides should work together for a fair, multipolar world order.

Wang Yi said the world is going through a major transformation, accusing the US of “unilateral bullying” in trade. He added that India and China, as the two largest developing nations, must lead by example for the global South.

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