Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal had a candid exchange with German Vice Chancellor and Economic Affairs Minister Robert Habeck on Saturday regarding an unexpected trade barrier: China blocking the sale of German-manufactured Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) intended for India. The incident took place on a Delhi Metro train as both ministers were en route to the YashoBhoomi Convention Centre in Dwarka for the 7th India-Germany Inter-Governmental Consultations. A video of the conversation, capturing Goyal’s frank comments, has since gone viral on social media.
During the metro ride, Goyal informed Habeck that India had been purchasing TBMs from Herrenknecht, a German company that manufactures these machines in China. He explained that China was now blocking Herrenknecht’s sale of these TBMs to India, which was hindering essential infrastructure projects across the country. Projects using Herrenknecht’s TBMs include major metro systems in Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Kolkata, as well as the ambitious Ahmedabad-Mumbai bullet train.
A clip of their conversation, shared by a user on X (formerly Twitter), shows Goyal confronting Habeck with the situation: “Your German company is supplying us some tunnel boring machines which they make in China. But China is not allowing them to sell them to me.” Habeck, appearing unaware of the issue, responded with surprise, questioning whether Herrenknecht produces these machines in China. After Goyal confirmed, he firmly added, “We should stop buying German equipment now.”
In the video, Habeck can be seen sitting while Goyal stands throughout the conversation. Upon hearing Goyal’s resolve to stop purchasing German equipment if the problem persists, Habeck stood up and responded, “I think I should listen to you,” signifying his commitment to discuss the issue.
The incident underscores growing concerns over the role China plays in German-Indian trade relations, particularly regarding essential equipment manufactured within China for international firms. Herrenknecht’s TBMs have been integral to India’s infrastructure advancements, and continued restrictions on their sale could potentially impact the pace of these projects.
The viral exchange has sparked discussions over dependency on equipment manufactured in China and has prompted speculation over potential shifts in sourcing strategies for future infrastructure projects in India.
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