The trade gap with China widened 28% in April-December 2022 from the same period a year earlier, as India's domestic demand continued to support Chinese imports while COVID lockdowns in China crimped imports from India. If a trading partner were found to have engaged in unfair practices, it would be necessary to introduce safeguards such as the imposition of anti-dumping duties, the official said. India's federal trade ministry and China's embassy in New Delhi did not immediately respond to requests for a comment. The officials said India would also intensify checks on imported goods to make sure they adhere to national quality standards, the two government officials added. The government is also likely to detail some of the steps to tackle the issue in the Feb. 1 budget.

---