India has imposed a ban on import of milk and milk-related products and certain smart phones from China, citing quality and security concerns.

India's Commerce Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that the quality of the said products from China was simply unacceptable and hence punitive action was necessary.

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Speaking specifically about the ban over Chinese mobile phones, Sitharaman said that mobile phones that don't bear a Mobile Station Equipment Identity number and other important security features have been banned.

She cited tough WTO rules for not able to impose complete import ban on Chinese products.            

"Complete ban of import from any country is not possible now due to WTO rules even if we have problems diplomatically, territorially or militarily," Sitharaman said. 

The minister did not say whether latest import ban on Chinese products is in response to China's UN snub over the Masood Azhar issue last month.  

Earlier this month, reports emerged from New Delhi that the Indian government would soon give fitting response to China's rebuttal over Masood Azhar issue by imposing tough trade sanctions on China. Reports from New Delhi claimed that Indian government is contemplating to take tough decision that would make difficult for Chinese companies to invest in India.          

However, Chinese media was unmoved by reports of trade sanctions, claiming that trade sanctions would economically hurt India more than China. Chinese media said that enhancing trade relation and economic relations with China was in the best interest of Indian economy.

Tagschina, India, Indian Economy, India and China