While the world watched the Modi-Xi summit for big economic deals, the real story was hidden in China’s new export controls: cutting off key tech like lithium battery materials and CNC machines. Why? Because India’s push to build a full supply chain; from solar panels to telecom gear; is making Beijing nervous. China isn’t banning trade; it’s banning know-how. Indian giants like Tata and Reliance are feeling the pinch, forced to delay or downgrade projects. The message? You can build factories, but you won’t master the tech. Meanwhile, India’s 2047 vision and NITI Aayog’s 12 priority sectors directly challenge China’s manufacturing crown. Beijing’s response? Tighter visa rules, stricter tech exports, and a narrative that India is breaking a ‘partners, not competitors’ pact. The irony? Every restriction pushes India harder toward self-reliance; and that’s exactly what China fears. This isn’t about tariffs. It’s about control. And the battle for the next global manufacturing hub has just gotten personal.