The Central Government on Friday said there was no blanket ban on import of Chinese telecom equipment and any such decision was taken in each and individual cases.
“I don't think there is any blanket ban on import of any Chinese telecom equipment,” Union Home Secretary G. K. Pillai said when asked whether any restriction has been imposed on the import of China-made telecom equipment.
He said any such decision was taken case-by-case taking into account activities of individual company. “It depends on each and individual company. We look at the security implications...,” Mr. Pillai said. The Department of Telecom also made it clear that no blanket ban has been imposed on any company.
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The DoT said the telecom network service providers, when they enter into licence agreements with the government, have to provide details of equipment to be procured in a prescribed proforma.
“The DoT, thereafter, refers the matter to the Ministry of Home Affairs for security clearance. Whichever company gets security clearance is allowed to procure the equipment,” a Telecom Ministry spokesperson said.
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Huawei's concern
Huawei, following media reports regarding ban on import of Chinese telecom equipment due to security concerns, on Friday urged the government to frame a “fair and non-discriminatory policy” to address the issue.
Denying that the company has not received any official communication on the matter, it expressed its concerns over the development. “Huawei is willing to cooperate with all the relevant Indian government agencies to help solve their concerns on the security issue in the interest and growth of the overall Indian telecom Industry, as internationally, Huawei's products and solutions adhere and comply with global telecom standards and regulations and are being used in telecom operators worldwide including 45 of the top 50 global telecom operators in over 120 countries,” it said.