India assessing ties with China in terms of trade: Foreign Secy

Shringla says India needs to ensure that it is not vulnerable in any way

NEW DELHI: India is carefully assessing various options in terms of its trade ties with China to protect the Indian economy from any vulnerability, Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla on Wednesday in comments that came in the backdrop of the border standoff in eastern Ladakh.

In an interactive session at an industry chamber, he said that India needs to evaluate its ties with China in terms of supply chains, investment tie-ups and technology in keeping with its larger strategic and security interests.

“Trade continues, there are investment ties that continue but all of this has to be examined very carefully and the government is examining all these options very, very carefully to ensure that our integrity and security remain intact,” he said.

Shringla said China maintained an aggressive posture and attempted multiple transgressions along the border in eastern Ladakh which was not conducive to peace and security.

“And as a result, we are not able to conduct normal relations. Having said that, of course, trade continues, import and export continues, China continues to be an economic partner,” he said.