'Check on telecom gears no violation of WTO norm'

NEW DELHI, INDIA: The recent check on telecom equipment made in China was justified by Anand Sharma, Union Minister of Commerce and Industries, at a national conference and annual session 2010 of CII here today.

“We have never been in violation to WTO norm. The decisions which we take always keep realities in mind. We have to think about India’s equation - which are not only related to trade alone, but are concerned with security too,” said Sharma in response to a question by CIOL.

“There are certain security conditions laid out by security agencies which every one has to follow. The recent decision is not any country specific,” he ascertained.

Sharma cited the recent ban imposed on mobiles without IMEI number as logic for the check on telecom gears, too.

“We have banned mobiles phones that come without genuine IMEI number. This ban is not China specific but it is applicable on such phones coming from any destination,” said Sharma.

Department of Telecom has not given security clearance to telecom equipment made in China since last four months, terming it a security instruction from the Ministry of Home Affairs.