India’s imports of telecom equipment from China reached $6.37 billion in FY24, underscoring the country’s continued dependence on Chinese suppliers for critical network infrastructure, according to government data.
The imports include a wide range of telecom products such as network gear, optical fiber equipment, transmission systems, and components used in mobile and broadband networks. Despite ongoing efforts to boost domestic manufacturing and reduce reliance on imports, China remains a dominant source due to its cost competitiveness and established supply chains.
Industry analysts note that the demand for telecom equipment has been driven by rapid network expansion, including 4G upgrades and the ongoing rollout of 5G services across India. Telecom operators continue to invest heavily in infrastructure to meet rising data consumption and improve service quality.
While the government has introduced measures such as production-linked incentive (PLI) schemes and stricter procurement norms to encourage local manufacturing, scaling up domestic capabilities remains a work in progress. The gap in high-end technology and component manufacturing has contributed to sustained import dependence.
At the same time, geopolitical considerations and security concerns have prompted closer scrutiny of telecom imports, particularly from Chinese vendors. Authorities have been balancing the need for secure and reliable infrastructure with cost and deployment efficiency.
Experts suggest that India’s telecom import profile may gradually evolve as domestic production gains momentum and alternative supply sources emerge. However, in the near term, Chinese equipment is expected to continue playing a significant role in supporting the country’s expanding digital infrastructure.
The data highlights both the scale of India’s telecom sector growth and the challenges involved in achieving self-reliance in a highly technology-intensive industry.
