India has granted four Chinese-linked power equipment manufacturers — TBEA Energy, Nanjing Electric India, New Northeast Electric India, and Taikai Electric (India) — permission to compete in government tenders for critical power infrastructure projects, according to a Ministry of Finance order dated June 24. The exemption, valid for two years, applies specifically to firms with existing manufacturing facilities in India and was sought by the power ministry in January amid efforts to accelerate expansion of the country's electricity transmission network. The move marks a significant relaxation of restrictions introduced after a deadly 2020 border clash, which had required Chinese companies to obtain political and security clearances before bidding on any state contract.