India Shrinks From Chinese Imports On Power Supply Systems Networks

Last updated on February 14th, 2023 at 11:40 am

As a response to possibly intentional cyber attack by China on India and a subsequent stand off on the LAC, the Ministry of Power has restricted the import of power supply systems and networks.

The electric equipment industry strangely had already sounded off the concerned ministry about the possibility of a continued cyber threat, if the Chinese power equipment continued to flood Indian markets, especially in the power distribution segment.

“All equipment, components, and parts imported for use in power supply systems and networks shall be tested in the country to check for any kind of embedded malware, Trojans, or cyber threat, and for adherence to Indian standards.”

The Ministry

A formal issue ordered by the ministry is now suspecting embedded Trojans or malware in the Chinese components that had been widely used in India.

According to an official statement issued by the Ministry, “All equipment, components, and parts imported for use in power supply systems and networks shall be tested in the country to check for any kind of embedded malware, Trojans, or cyber threat, and for adherence to Indian standards.”

The threats are becoming more eminent as power infrastructure is increasingly becoming more IT and Artificial Intelligence driven.  Chances of remote control and manipulation are much easier today.

Further, R.K Singh, Union Minister of State for Power has added that “any import of equipment, components or parts from “prior-reference” countries would require prior permission of the Government Of lndia and would have to undergo testing in certified and designated laboratories approved by the ministry.”

China has been a trusted trade partner for India. But the recent levels of tension are rocking the trade boat for both countries. In the electrical equipment segment itself, imports from China constitute close to 30 per cent of the total imports worth Rs 71,570 crore in FY19. This includes power and distribution transformers, conductors, cables, meters, motors, switchgears etc. These equipments are mostly used in the power transmission and distribution sectors. The size of the Indian electrical equipment market is Rs 2.08 trillion. The domestic production accounts for Rs 1.9 trillion.

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