India’s trade deficit with China crosses $100 billion in 2026

 India’s major exports to China this year have included seafood products, naphtha, and printed circuit boards, which, until recently, India was buying in bulk from the neighbouring country. (Representational image) | Photo Credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto

India’s exports to China grew 40% in the first three quarters to $20 billion, although the trade deficit with China has continued to widen, already crossing $100 billion this year, according to data released Wednesday by China’s General Administration of Customs (GAC).

Two-way trade between January and September was up 25.4% to $144.45 billion, while India’s imports from China continued to rise, up 23.3% to $125.19 billion. Indian exports to China registered a robust 40.7% growth, albeit from a much smaller base, to $19.26 billion after the first three quarters, already reaching last year’s total.