Amid Pressure From US And China, India To Decide On Allowing Huawei’s Operations After Taking A Holistic View

The decision on allowing Chinese telecom equipment maker Huawei to participate in the telecom network in India will be done by the higher authorities in the government after taking a holistic view and not just by the department of telecom (DoT), said a top official on Thursday (20 June), reports Times of India.

According to the report, a panel has been set up by the DoT to examine issues related to the Huawei’s participation in the Indian telecom network.

"We are expecting a recommendation of the committee. Once the recommendations of the committee come, these will be submitted to the government to take a call. It is not just going to be the decision of the DoT. It will be a larger strategic decision which has trade implications which has geopolitical implications," telecom secretary Aruna Sundararajan said on sidelines of an ITU-APT Foundation event.

The US has banned Huawei over security concerns due to the company’s alleged involvement with Chinese intelligence agencies and has been pressuring other countries to restrict its operations. However, Huawei has denied the charges leveled by US against it.

Urging India to make an “independent judgement” about Huawei’s operations in the country without being influenced by the US ban, China on Thursday (20 June) requested New Delhi to provide an “unbiased and non-discriminatory” environment for the Chinese businesses.

However, India is yet to take a call on whether to place curbs on Huawei or allow it to participate in the upcoming 5G trials, that are scheduled to commenced in 100 days.