Meeting with her Indian commerce ministry counterpart, French minister for foreign trade Christine Lagarde contended that gaining specific BIS approval was unnecessary as all Michelin tyres undergo rigorous safety testing before being granted European Union e-marking.

However, the Indian government has, to date, maintained that Michelin must subject its tyres to three additional tests – static braking strength, bead unseating for turbulence, and endurance – before satisfying BIS criteria.

Lagarde was reassured that the issue would be discussed with India’s ministry of surface transport.