India’s IT ministry has no proposal to restrict the sale of foreign smartphone brands that cost under $150, a junior minister said on Monday, after reports suggested New Delhi could introduce restrictions to support domestic players.
Rajeev Chandrasekhar’s comments followed reports that India plans to curb sales of cheap Chinese smartphones to boost the prospects of Indian competitors. Asked if there was any plan to limit the sale of devices below 12,000 rupees ($150) to Indian brands, Chandrasekhar told reporters: “There is no such proposal in our ministry.” “There is scope for Indian brands… it does not rule out foreign suppliers or foreign brands,” he said.
