China and India were involved in a border conflict last year which led to India banning several apps of Chinese origin. However, even with the tensions, China became India’s top trade partner where the two-way trade between the Asian rivals stood at $77.7 billion in 2020. 

While the figure was lower than 2019’s $85.5 billion, it was more than enough for China to take the first spot from the US and become India’s largest commercial partner according to data from India’s commerce ministry. 

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Last week, it was revealed Chinese smartphone brands also dominated the Indian smartphone market with more than 70% market share. In fact, four of the top five brands in India are Chinese companies despite the anti-china sentiment in the country. Most smartphones sold in India are assembled locally where components are imported from India’s neighbour. This is because India is unable to manufacture key components due to a lack of semiconductor wafer fabrication units in India.

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