China files WTO complaint against India on ICT tariffs, solar subsidies

China has filed a case at the World Trade Organisation (WTO) challenging India’s tariffs on information and communications technology (ICT) products and subsidies for photovoltaic manufacturing, China’s commerce ministry said in a statement on Friday, December 19.According to Reuters, the ministry said the Indian tariffs and subsidies give domestic industries an unfair competitive advantage and harm Chinese interests, alleging that the measures are in violation of WTO rules.

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China also urged India to take corrective action. “We once again urge India to abide by its relevant commitments at the WTO and immediately correct its erroneous practices,” the commerce ministry said.Separately, the Chinese commerce ministry said it has raised concerns over India’s telecom tariff practices, calling on New Delhi to correct what it described as “wrong practices” in the sector.

The developments add to trade frictions between the two countries, with the WTO dispute marking the latest challenge to India’s tariff and industrial policy measures.

Earlier this month, in a major step to boost ties between the two Asian giants, India reformed its business visa regime to ease movement for Chinese professionals, ending chronic delays that cost output worth billions of dollars because of scarce technicians.