The ministry of external affairs (MEA) has asked for clarification from the telecom department to clear the air over participation of Chinese equipment vendor Huawei in 5G, while also asking for possible areas for cooperation with America and Japan in the latest mobile technology.
MEA has sought the clarification from telecom secretary Aruna Sundararajan so that inputs can be “factored into the preparatory material to be sent to the PMO,” a communication from the MEA, seen by TOI, says. The move comes at a time when there are “serious concerns” within a section of the government that data of Indian citizens and enterprises could be compromised and accessed by the Chinese establishment if Huawei is allowed to participate in 5G network deployment.
A high-level committee is looking into the matter of Huawei’s participation in 5G trials that are expected to begin soon. The committee is headed by the principal scientific adviser, and has senior officials from the intelligence bureau, MEA, home ministry, IT & telecom ministries, and the cyber security wing.
MEA seeks clarification from telecom secy Aruna Sundararajan over DoT’s stand on Huawei
