India and China discussed germanium export limitations, according to the embassy.

• India is negotiating with China to ease export restrictions on germanium, a crucial mineral used in semiconductors, fibre optic cables, and solar panels.

• Over half of the element’s annual output comes from China, causing friction in electronics manufacturing and other industries.

• The Indian Embassy in Beijing listed germanium as the only element mentioned in grievances from Indian industry players regarding China’s export restrictions of rare earth elements (REEs).

• India is completely reliant on imports for germanium, relying on a supplier in the United Arab Emirates, a process that has inflated costs for Indian importers.

• The embassy declined to disclose specific representations and meetings with Chinese officials on the issue.

• Despite cooled relations, China is reportedly thwarting certain projects with export curbs and travel restrictions.