New Delhi: The Centre’s decision to impose immediate restrictions on the import of laptops, personal computers, and tablets aims to reduce import dependence, boost domestic manufacturing, and ensure that India uses trusted hardware and systems, said IT Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar Friday.
On Thursday, the Modi government issued a notification ‘restricting’ the import of laptops, tablets, all-in-one personal computers, ultra-small form factor computers, and servers. The announcement indicated that imports of these items would only be allowed for those holding a valid license.
“This is not at all abt license raj – It is about regulating imports to ensure trusted and verifiable systems AND ensuring India tech eco-system uses trusted n verified systems only that are imported and/or domestically manufactured trusted systems/products,” the Minister of State for Electronics and IT posted on X, formerly Twitter.
➡️India is becomng one of worlds fastest growing markets for Digital products includng Laptops, Servers etc.
➡️India and DigitalNagriks will consume millions of Digital products in coming Techade.
➡️Rapid digitilization / cloudification of our economy AND rapid growth of our… https://t.co/gdMcNnsEUT
— Rajeev Chandrasekhar 🇮🇳 (@Rajeev_GoI) August 4, 2023
Further, Chandrasekhar pointed out that “India and Digital Nagriks” will consume millions of digital products in the upcoming “Techade”. He also emphasised that the “rapid digitisation and cloudification of our economy”, along with the rapid growth of the digital economy, are fueling demand growth.
“It is govts objective to ensure trusted hardware n systems, reduce import dependance and increase domestic mfg of this category of products,” he stated.
Following the Centre’s announcement, industry experts assert that the measure aims to bolster local manufacturing and establish a trusted supply chain, possibly due to a “genuine apprehension of a future security risk.”
They added that the move might encourage importers to obtain specific licenses but caution that it could lead to a short-term supply crunch and price fluctuations, particularly with the upcoming festive season approaching.
Meanwhile, in a statement issued Friday, a spokesperson from Dell Technologies said, “We are aware of the new regulations. Dell has been manufacturing in India for 15 years, and we continue to work with the Indian Government on our plan.”
Also read: ‘Not an endorsement’: IT Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar on YouTube ad using govt logo