📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Government of India
Business
FM Sitharaman Quotes 'We are playing hockey, they are playing football' on China Trade
✍️ Business Today
🗓 28 Sep 2026, 09:52 AM
👁 8
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman criticised China's trade barriers, remarking that India is playing hockey while China is playing football. She said the analogy highlights the differing rules and approaches in bilateral trade.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman used a sports analogy to describe India's trade relationship with China, saying "We are playing hockey, they are playing football". She made the remark in a recent interaction with Business Today, pointing out that the two countries are following different rules in their economic engagement.
The comment underscores concerns among Indian exporters about non‑tariff barriers and limited market access in China. Analysts say the analogy reflects the asymmetry in how each nation approaches trade negotiations and compliance.
The statement adds to ongoing diplomatic efforts to address the trade imbalance between the two nations. Officials have been seeking clearer rules and fairer conditions for Indian goods entering the Chinese market.
Observers believe that such candid remarks could help push both sides toward a more balanced and transparent trading framework.
The comment underscores concerns among Indian exporters about non‑tariff barriers and limited market access in China. Analysts say the analogy reflects the asymmetry in how each nation approaches trade negotiations and compliance.
The statement adds to ongoing diplomatic efforts to address the trade imbalance between the two nations. Officials have been seeking clearer rules and fairer conditions for Indian goods entering the Chinese market.
Observers believe that such candid remarks could help push both sides toward a more balanced and transparent trading framework.