Government has allowed controversial Chinese telecom equipment provider Huawei to participate in 5G trials slated for next year. It will be recalled that Huawei has been under the scanner, particularly in the US, for its close ties to the Chinese People’s Liberation Army. The company’s equipment poses a security risk as 5G technology is going to be the backbone of the future digital industrial infrastructure. Thus, it is unwise to allow a Chinese company, with clear linkages to the Chinese state, access to India’s digital lifeline.
The issue here is trust. Suppose there is another Doklam-like standoff, Beijing will be able to use cyberwarfare tactics against New Delhi through Huawei’s technology and cripple India’s infrastructure. Should we make ourselves this vulnerable? In fact, it is precisely for security reasons that principal scientific adviser to the government K Vijay Raghavan had opined that India should proceed with 5G trials with all vendors but must drop Chinese companies.
Huawei might offer top of the line 5G technology at attractive price points. But government must weigh this against strategic and security imperatives. Chinese 5G tech is a gamble India cannot afford.
Full story: Huawei thanks Indian government for 5G trials permission, says committed to India
