Trade Secretary Sunil Barthwal said on Friday that, contrary to previous indications, India will not restrict laptop imports.
“India will not impose restrictions on laptop imports; it only wants importers to keep a close look-out,” said Barthwal.
According to reports, the minister's phrase meant that officials want to ensure that only trusted hardware and systems enter the Indian market.
On 3 August, India announced the imposition of licensing for the import of laptops, tablets, and personal computers. However, an industry expert told Sputnik India that Washington is not happy with India’s decision and has asked New Delhi to reconsider its policy.
On 3 August, India announced the imposition of licensing for the import of laptops, tablets, and personal computers. However, an industry expert told Sputnik India that Washington is not happy with India’s decision and has asked New Delhi to reconsider its policy.
Later, US trade chief Katherine Tai also raised concerns with India over the move after American companies, including Dell, HP and Apple reportedly raised concerns.
[Professor] Nishakant Ojha, an adviser on cyber and aerospace security, told Sputnik India that the US has a nice market share in India and it will not let go of it readily.
Indian media reported that the central government is likely instead to implement a simple import authorisation procedure rather than a licensing process for importing laptops, tablets and computers from 1 November 2023.