The government says: Ban Chinese mobiles priced below Rs 12,000

No plans to ban Chinese mobiles priced below Rs 12,000 are being discussed, government sources told CNBC TV18 on August 29, days after reports that New Delhi was considering measures to drive cellphones out of the domestic market. cheapest phones made in china

According to a source with knowledge of the situation, the administration “would not go out of its way to exclude international brands.” However, Indian companies and Indian suppliers are steps that would be taken.

The government’s vision is for a robust and innovative electronics sector, with room for Indian brands, the source said, adding: “Wherever we feel Indian brands are being crowded out due to unfair practices, we will intervene.”

The government clarification, as reported by CNBC TV18, comes about three weeks after a Bloomberg story said the Indian government was trying to prevent Chinese smartphone makers from dominating the device market segment with a price tag. less than Rs. 12.00.

According to market researcher Counterpoint, China contributed about 80% of shipments of smartphones priced below Rs 12,000 ($150), accounting for a third of the country’s total smartphone sales during the quarter. from April to June.

Companies like Xiaomi Corp. and its competitors would have suffered greatly from a regulation that prohibited Chinese smartphone companies from competing in the market for less expensive devices.