Chinese telecom equipment manufacturer Huawei, which has been accused of enabling state espionage from various countries, including Australia and the U.S., on Tuesday dismissed the allegations as being politically driven, while stating that the Indian authorities have raised no concerns over security of its products.
“I had many interactions with various government departments such as Department of Telecom (DoT), Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY), and Prime Minister’s Office (PMO)… up till now nobody has told me ‘you have a problem’. Everybody said ‘we understand’ and some clearly told me ‘yes, it is politics’,” Jay Chen, Chief Executive Officer, Huawei India, said.
Replying to a query, he stressed that the accusations are politically-driven, and that no country has been able to give any evidence of wrongdoing on Huawei’s part.
Talking about 5G, Mr. Chen said that the company is awaiting approval from the government to begin trials. “I am waiting for the approval. I have finished several rounds of presentations to the DoT and we are positive about them.”
The statement comes amid reports the India may ban Huawei to conduct trails for 5G in the country amid security concerns.
“Nobody has yet started field trials of 5G in India. Whenever the permission comes, Huawei will also be one among those who will start 5G trials in India,” he said.
In January, replying to a question in Rajya Sabha, Telecom Minister Manoj Sinha had then said there was no proposal before the government considering banning telecom gear and equipment made by Huawei. “The telecom service providers are free to procure equipment from any vendor based on their techno-commercial interests provided they adhere to the security provisions given in the license,” he had said.