Ajai Chowdhry, co-founder of HCL and Chairman of the National Quantum Mission, has expressed concerns over India’s increasing reliance on Chinese-made electronics, citing potential national security risks. He alleges that these devices, including chips, CCTVs, and biometric systems, may contain “backdoors” that can transmit sensitive Indian data to China. Chowdhry claims that intelligence findings have revealed data leaks from biometric attendance systems used in government offices, with employee details being sent to servers in China.
Chowdhry is calling for a complete ban on the import of Chinese chips, arguing that India should follow the lead of the US and Europe, which have prohibited the use of Chinese-made CCTVs and components. He believes that banning these imports would not only protect data but also create a domestic market for Indian semiconductor firms. Currently, India’s electronics manufacturing is limited, with most operations involving the assembly of kits imported from China, which Chowdhry describes as “screwdriver jobs.”
Chowdhry criticizes the fact that 60% of India’s 150 million smartphones sold annually are Chinese brands, and notes that the same pattern extends to drone manufacturing, where Chinese drones are rebranded as Singaporean products. To address these concerns, Chowdhry is advocating for the development of a secure, homegrown “India Phone” designed entirely in India with indigenous chips and encryption. This project, supported by the government’s Research, Development, and Innovation (RDI) Scheme, could ensure data security, create high-tech jobs, and move India from a service-based economy to a product-driven powerhouse.
This vision aligns with India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat mission, which aims to build, innovate, and protect in the digital age. Chowdhry’s warnings and proposals highlight the need for India to reduce its dependence on Chinese electronics and develop its own capabilities in the sector. By doing so, India can protect its national security, promote domestic industry, and achieve its goal of becoming a self-reliant economy. The development of an “India Phone” could be a significant step towards achieving this goal, and Chowdhry’s calls for a ban on Chinese chips and a shift towards indigenous manufacturing are likely to spark important discussions about India’s electronics industry and national security.