India sorting out China telco import issue

NEW DELHI, INDIA: India is working to sort out restrictions on Chinese telecom equipment imports, Telecom Secretary P.J. Thomas said on Friday, but did not provide a timeframe for a decision.

"We are working on that. We had a discussion with organizations, associations and they have of course helped us with their own suggestions," he told reporters.

Also read: Huawei to allay Indian security fears

Recently there were reports that India had banned the import of telecom gears from China. However, the government said that that there is no country-specific ban, and that it has made the security check more stringent.

Voicing its concern over reports that its telecom companies have been blacklisted by India, China had asked New Delhi to treat its firms fairly and called for an open and transparent system for them to operate in.

"We have noticed the list and are making an investigation. We hope India will provide a fair, open and transparent investment environment for Chinese companies," a media report quoted Chinese Minister of Commerce Chen Deming as saying.