India’s DoT Seeks Full Disclosure on Chinese Equipment Used by Jio, Airtel, Vi, and BSNL

In a renewed effort to safeguard national infrastructure, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has issued an official directive to India’s leading telecom players—Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel, Vodafone Idea (Vi), and Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL)—requesting comprehensive information on the usage of Chinese-manufactured telecom equipment across their networks.

This move comes amid heightened global security concerns and the US-China tech standoff, highlighting India's increased vigilance toward cybersecurity and foreign hardware embedded within its critical communication systems.

Huawei and ZTE Under Government Scanner

Existing Presence in India’s 2G, 3G, and 4G Networks

Although Huawei and ZTE have been barred from participating in India’s 5G deployment, their legacy infrastructure still powers significant portions of India’s older 2G, 3G, and 4G networks—particularly in BSNL, Airtel, and Vodafone Idea’s wireless and optical fiber setups.

According to a report , Chinese companies continue to earn massive maintenance revenues from these deals. Huawei alone receives around ₹600 crore annually, while ZTE draws slightly lower figures from similar contracts.

No Fresh Contracts for Chinese Vendors

Telecom Policy Reinforces Strategic Restrictions

As per the prevailing policies, Chinese vendors are permitted only to service or replace existing infrastructure—no new contracts will be awarded to these companies for network upgrades or fresh installations. This move aligns with India’s broader stance of limiting foreign dependency on telecom infrastructure components, especially those flagged by national intelligence agencies.

DoT Acts on Chinese-Origin SIM Cards

Phasing Out Old SIM Cards Sourced from China

In a related initiative, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) previously asked telecom operators to phase out old-generation SIM cards—originally imported from China during the 2G and 3G era. At that time, Chinese vendors had a significant foothold in India’s SIM supply chain.

However, the advent of 4G and 5G has reversed this trend, with local manufacturing of SIM cards gaining momentum under the Make in India initiative, effectively reducing dependence on Chinese imports in this critical area.

Strengthening India’s Telecom Security Infrastructure

A Strategic Push for National Safety

The government’s latest actions are part of a broader national strategy to enhance digital and communication security. By tracking and gradually phasing out Chinese-origin telecom hardware and services, India aims to reduce its exposure to potential vulnerabilities arising from foreign technology.

This decisive move also resonates with the global scrutiny faced by Huawei and ZTE, particularly in the West, where several countries have restricted their participation in core infrastructure projects.

Conclusion

The Department of Telecommunications’ directive marks a significant step in India’s mission to fortify its telecom infrastructure against potential security threats.

By demanding full disclosure from Jio, Airtel, Vi, and BSNL regarding the presence of Chinese equipment, the government is not only addressing current geopolitical concerns but also laying the groundwork for a more secure and self-reliant digital ecosystem.

The phasing out of legacy Chinese hardware and SIM cards, coupled with restrictions on new contracts, reflects a decisive shift toward strategic autonomy in critical sectors.

This proactive approach aligns with India’s broader national security framework and echoes similar global efforts to curtail the influence of foreign technology in sensitive areas.

With local manufacturing gaining traction under initiatives like Make in India, the country is steadily reducing its reliance on Chinese vendors, paving the way for a more resilient and trusted telecom network infrastructure for the future.