India's Trade Minister: PLI Schemes to Lessen China Dependence, Negotiations with U.S. to Eliminate Further Tariffs

New Delhi, April 9, 2025 – India's Commerce Minister, speaking exclusively to CNN-News18, pointed towards the efforts the country is undertaking to respond against China's misaligned trade practice and weaning off Chinese import dependence via the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme. The minister further confirmed India's determination to be closely associated with the U.S. in revoking extra duty levied by the latter upon Indian exports as a sign of increasing bilateral trading partnership.

 

Chief Points:

 

Resistance Against China's Trade Practices

The Trade Minister informed that Indian and U.S. manufacturers have been hurt by China's unfair trade practices, such as dumping and market-distorting subsidies.

 

India is actively taking steps to facilitate fair competition and safeguard domestic industries.

 

PLI Schemes for Manufacturing:

India's Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes are intended to increase domestic manufacturing and decrease dependence on Chinese imports by encouraging production in priority sectors such as electronics, pharmaceuticals, and textiles.

 

“Our goal is to strengthen India’s manufacturing ecosystem while cutting dependence on China,” the minister emphasized.

 

Engagement with the U.S. on Tariffs:

The minister revealed that India is in constant engagement with the U.S. administration to address tariff-related issues.

 

“We will be working with them to take off additional tariffs in the days to come,” the minister said, signaling progress in bilateral trade negotiations.

 

Strategic Importance:

India's partnership with the U.S. demonstrates mutual economic interests and mutual intent to reverse China's market dominance in world trade.

 

They are part of India's grand plan to position itself as a stable alternative in the global supply chain.

 

Key Leadership Insights:

The Trade Minister declared:

"India is dedicated to promoting balanced trade practices and reinforcing its partnership with the U.S. in order to maintain mutual economic progress."

 

Forecast

India's initiative and sustained dialogue with the U.S. are likely to increase bilateral trade exchanges while boosting local manufacturing.

 

Conclusion:

India's emphasis on cutting China dependence through PLI schemes and dialogue with the U.S. on tariffs reflects its strategic response to creating a resilient economy.

 

Source: CNN-News18; April 9, 2025.