As India accelerates its electric vehicle ambitions, Chinese automotive technology is steadily finding a place in the country’s growing EV ecosystem, even as direct participation by Chinese automakers remains restricted.
Since the 2020 border tensions, India has tightened scrutiny of Chinese investments and businesses. At the same time, China has introduced restrictions on exporting certain technologies. Despite these barriers, cooperation between Indian and Chinese automotive companies continues to expand through technology partnerships and supply agreements.
Earlier this month, Tata Motors announced that it would use a vehicle platform developed by Chery to manufacture premium electric vehicles in India. Both companies clarified that the arrangement is a supply agreement and does not involve equity participation or technology transfer. For Tata, the partnership offers a faster route to launch new EV models, while the company plans to gradually localise components and strengthen domestic manufacturing.
Industry experts believe collaboration between India and China remains difficult to avoid as both countries play critical roles in the global automotive value chain. Chinese firms, facing excess manufacturing capacity and slower domestic demand, are increasingly exploring technology partnerships to expand their international presence.
Chinese technology is also entering India through component manufacturing. Uno Minda has partnered with China’s Inovance to produce EV powertrains in India, competing with established global suppliers already operating in the market.
However, cooperation has faced challenges. In 2025, battery maker Amara Raja ended its technology licensing agreement with China’s Gotion after export control restrictions affected the partnership. The company has since increased investment in its own research and development while continuing to source equipment and materials from Chinese suppliers.
Another major partnership emerged last year when JSW Motor entered into an agreement with Chery. Under the arrangement, JSW secured rights to use and adapt multiple Chery platforms for electric and hybrid vehicles in India. The venture includes an investment of $3 billion and targets annual sales of 300,000 vehicles by 2030. Initial production will rely on imported kits before gradually shifting towards local manufacturing and supply chains.
The growing number of partnerships highlights how Chinese EV technology continues to influence India’s automotive transformation, even as direct market access for Chinese automakers remains limited.
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