New Delhi/Mumbai, June 13 -- Having failed to secure a meeting with China's commerce ministry despite receiving visas, Indian automakers have now sought the central government's intervention, according to two industry executives aware of the matter.

The issue: China has paused exports to India of rare earth minerals, which are key to electric vehicle (EV) production, and are also not approving Indian companies' fresh applications for their export. If the minerals don't start showing up on Indian shores soon, it is likely to hit the auto industry hard, especially EVs.

Indian EV makers have now urged the Centre to engage Beijing through diplomatic channels, mirroring American efforts. On Wednesday, US President Donald Trump announced on h...