You’ve seen the news: US President Donald Trump is playing roulette with the global trade order. Then, there’s the massive Rs 23,000 crore performance-linked incentive scheme that the Indian cabinet approved for electronics makers at around the same time.

For companies in the manufacturing sector, it’s been a mad, hectic April. They know it’s necessary to strike new alliances—or renew old ones—if they are to emerge from the chaos in better shape than before. That means they’re looking for technology partners and opportunities for joint ventures.

But India, for a while, tried hard to avoid one particular partnership that could give its companies a much needed boost up the value chain.

China.

The reluctance isn’t surprising, but consultants and industry executives say it may not be long before tie-ups with Chinese firms become inevitable.

As they say, “If you can’t beat ’em, join ’em.”

Shristi Achar explains in this week’s edition of Make India Competitive Again. Check it out.

Read by Brady NG