India allows four Chinese-linked power equipment firms to bid for government projects

New Delhi: India has allowed four Chinese power equipment manufacturers with factories in the country to participate in government tenders for critical power projects, according to a government order.

TBEA Energy, Nanjing ‌Electric India, ⁠New ⁠Northeast Electric India and Taikai Electric (India) will be allowed to participate in the tenders, the order from India's Ministry of Finance dated June 24 and reviewed by Reuters said.

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India's power ministry had ​sought the exemption in ⁠January for entities ‌with manufacturing units in ​India involved ​in critical power projects, the document ⁠said.

Reuters reported in January that India ​was examining broader relaxations on Chinese ​bidders for government contracts as border tensions ease.

Since a 2020 border clash, New Delhi has required Chinese bidders to register with a government panel and secure ‌political and security clearances before competing for any state contract.

The exemption comes ​as India ​accelerates expansion ⁠of its transmission network to support rising electricity demand and renewable energy additions.

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The order said the exemption ​would be valid for two years from the date of issuance and should not be treated as a precedent for other companies.