China to restrict exports of giant tunnel-digging machines; why India could be affected

China is tightening export controls on construction equipment, including tunnel-boring machines, in a move that could affect India's infrastructure projects and add to concerns over its dependence on Chinese machinery.The new restrictions cover specialised equipment used to build tunnels for roads, railways and metro networks, as well as machines designed to spray concrete at high altitudes.Beijing has cited the potential military as well as civilian applications of such equipment, warning that "sensitive countries and regions with disputes with China" will face stricter export rules, Bloomberg reported.The curbs are particularly significant for India, which is among China's major customers for tunnel-boring equipment and is expanding road and railway infrastructure along the Himalayan border.The two countries have a longstanding territorial dispute in the region, where India has been building connectivity infrastructure to reduce the time required to mobilise troops.The latest restrictions are due to take effect later this month, according to Bloomberg.…