External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar urged to deal with Indian companies rather than Chinese ones, keeping the national security in mind, India Today reported.

While speaking at a Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) event, he said, “Where China is concerned, we will still encourage people in this country- manufacture in India, source in India, procure from India.”

However, he clarified that he is not talking about completely prohibiting Chinese deals but urged work with Indian companies if there is an Indian option available.

“That I think is good for our national security, we hope you think that it is good for your own business in the long term,” Jaishankar added highlighting the ‘weaponisation’ of economic activity.

He alleged that China has allowed for the weaponisation of virtually any form of economic activity and that exports, imports, access to raw materials and stability of tourism is utilised to exert political pressure.

Jaishankar explained that the role of foreign policy is to create comfort levels between governments for trust and reliability in doing business. It ensures supply sources are de-risked, he added.

“An economy with India’s prospects also has to look at accessing global resources more seriously if we are to fuel our growth,” Jaishankar said emphasising the link between strategic interests and economic priorities.