China announced on October 19, 2026, that it would impose export controls on tunnel-boring machines (TBMs) and related items, citing national security and national interests. The measures will come into effect on November 18, 2026. The decision may affect India’s critical infrastructure projects, as India depends on imports of these machines for metro rail networks, railway corridors and tunnels, including those in border areas.

Why in the News?

China announced new export controls on tunnel-boring machines (TBMs) and related items. The measures will take effect on November 18, 2026.

  • India has already faced delays in customs clearance and difficulties in importing TBMs from China since 2024.
  • China stated that the machines have dual-use characteristics, meaning they can be used for both civilian and military purposes.
  • The announcement came amid wider Chinese restrictions on advanced technologies, including solar manufacturing technologies, certain AI platforms and drones.

What Are Tunnel-Boring Machines (TBMs)?

Tunnel-boring machines (TBMs) are specialised machines used to excavate tunnels through soil, rock and other underground materials.

  • They enable the construction of tunnels with greater precision and efficiency.
  • They are used in metro rail networks, railway corridors, road tunnels and underground infrastructure projects.
  • They are important for constructing tunnels in difficult geographical conditions, including mountainous and border regions.
  • India depends on imports for these machines, making access to foreign technology important for infrastructure development.

China's Export Control Measures

China's Commerce Ministry announced restrictions on TBMs and related items, along with adjustments to export controls on certain dredgers.

  • Effective date: November 18, 2026.
  • Reason given: Safeguarding national security and national interests.
  • Dual-use technology: China stated that the controlled items can have both civilian and military applications.
  • Non-proliferation: China also referred to its international obligations, including those related to preventing the spread of sensitive technologies.
  • Prior communication: China said it had notified relevant countries and regions with which it maintains export-control dialogue mechanisms.

Impact on India

India could face difficulties in obtaining TBMs for important infrastructure projects because of its dependence on imports.

  • TBMs are essential for constructing underground metro lines in Indian cities.
  • The machines are used to build tunnels required for railway connectivity.
  • They are important for constructing tunnels in strategically sensitive border areas.
  • Export restrictions and customs clearance problems could affect the availability of machines and delay construction work.
  • The restrictions highlight India's dependence on foreign suppliers for specialised infrastructure equipment.

Previous Trade Issues Between India and China

India has faced difficulties in importing TBMs from China since 2024.

  • In October 2024, Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal raised the issue with visiting German Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck.
  • He pointed out that China was blocking the export of TBMs manufactured by a German company operating in China.
  • India has also raised concerns with China over delays in customs clearance for TBM imports.
  • The latest announcement adds to the existing difficulties faced by Indian infrastructure projects in securing these machines.

China Expands Export Controls to Other Technologies

Alongside TBMs, China announced export controls on certain drone-related technologies and equipment.

Drone-Related Items Under Control

These restrictions reflect China's wider focus on controlling technologies that may have strategic or military applications.

  • Autopilots specially designed for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
  • UAVs and unmanned airships with a maximum endurance of 3 hours or more.
  • Certain engines specially designed for UAVs and unmanned airships.
  • UAVs with a range of 300 kilometres or more.
  • Other related items covered under the announced measures.

Wider Restrictions on Advanced Technologies

On October 16, 2026, Beijing unveiled a draft plan to restrict exports of more than 40 cutting-edge technologies. The proposed restrictions cover several important technology areas:

  • Certain technologies used in the production of solar cells may face complete export bans or restrictions.
  • Some AI models and platforms are included in the proposed controls.
  • Biotechnology: Certain biotech platforms are also covered.
  • Strategic technologies: The restrictions aim to regulate the transfer of technologies considered important for national security and industrial interests.

Although the draft plan does not restrict most solar exports, controls on next-generation solar manufacturing technologies could affect countries such as India that are trying to strengthen domestic solar manufacturing and reduce dependence on China.

Conclusion

China's decision to impose export controls on tunnel-boring machines highlights the growing importance of technology controls in international trade and national security. For India, the restrictions could affect access to essential machinery for metro rail networks, railway corridors and strategic tunnels. The development also highlights the need to strengthen domestic manufacturing, diversify import sources and improve supply-chain resilience in critical infrastructure and advanced technologies.