5G trials in India: Huawei urges India to make an "informed and independent decision" amid US ban

Huawei has urged India to make an "informed and independent decision" on permitting its 5G trials in country as Chinese telecom giant reeled under pressure following US ban.

US has banned Huawei, world's leader in telecom equipment and number two smartphone producer, over concerns of security and Washington has been pressuring or countries to restrict operations of Chinese telecom firm.

India, however, is yet to take a call on wher it intends to place curbs on Huawei or allow Chinese telecom equipment maker to participate in upcoming 5G trials, that are scheduled to commence in 100 days.

" Indian Government or any or country must take an independent view to protect its own networks and data through its own standards, test mechanisms and policies. It is important to address cyber security risks through an evidence and fact-based approach, introducing checks and balances with a monitored participation rar than banning out of fear," Huawei, which is based in Shenzhen, said in a statement to PTI here.

Earlier this month, Telecom Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said India has its security issues over allowing Huawei to participate in upcoming 5G trials.

"We will take a firm view on it. re are also security issues...it is t only a matter of techlogy, as regard ir participation in 5G is concerned...Participation of 5G is t conditional upon trial being started. Wher a particular company is allowed to participate or t, is a complex question including security issues," he had said.

Commenting on minister's remarks, Chinese Foreign Ministry last week said that India should take an independent decision without being guided by US ban and provide an "unbiased and n-discriminatory" environment for Chinese businesses.

In its statement, Huawei said that it received full support from India for about two decades for its operations and obtained Department of Telecom (DOT) invitation to conduct 5G trials.

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"In India, Huawei has received full support and confidence of Government during our near 20 years operations in country," it said in response to questions over security concerns raised by Prasad.

"In fact, last year, we secured invitation from DoT to submit our proposal for 5G trials, conveying Government's confidence in Huawei for an early, efficient and pervasive deployment of 5G," it said.

"Over past few months, we have proactively engd with Indian Government and ir feedback has been positive. We are confident that Indian Government will make an informed decision on 5G, one that provides a level-playing field to all vendors," it said.

Huawei has a long-term strategy for India and will keep investing re in people, business and operations, it said.

Huawei said it recognised importance of India as a talent base way back in 1999 when it set up its largest overseas R&D centre in Bengaluru.

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"Today, with almost two decades of operations in India, India is one of largest and most localised presence outside China for Huawei," it said.

"We are committed to bringing world class ICT solutions and products through our wide spread presence in India encompassing R&D Centre, Global Service Centre, Invation and Demo Centre, and a nationwide presence with regional and circle offices including recently launched OpenLab in Gurugram," it added.

(Except for headline, changes were made to original story by Republic World staff).