Trade Body Sends SOS to Government Over China’s “Leave India” Directive to Engineers & Technicians

India's electronics sector is sounding alarms over what it sees as "informal trade restrictions" from China. These covert measures, according to industry insiders, threaten India's competitiveness on the global stage and could endanger the country's $32 billion smartphone export goal for this fiscal year. The Economic Times reports that these actions are perceived as China's strategic move to hinder India's rise as a manufacturing leader.

In a recent communication with the government, the India Cellular and Electronics Association (ICEA), which includes major companies like Apple, Google, Motorola, Foxconn, Vivo, Oppo, Lava, Dixon, Flex, and Tata Electronics, expressed concerns. They stated that China's actions are "solely aimed at crippling India's supply chains and undermining its rise as a global manufacturing hub." The ICEA pointed out that these restrictions are causing delays and increasing costs for manufacturers.

Impact on Manufacturing and Exports

The ICEA's urgent letter calls for immediate government intervention regarding China's new controls on capital equipment, essential minerals, and skilled technical personnel movement. The association stressed that these restrictions are being implemented in a "planned, sequential manner without any formal notifications, and only through verbal instructions." While domestic production remains somewhat protected for now, export-linked manufacturing worth $24 billion in FY25 is at risk of falling short of the $32 billion target in FY26.

Recently, reports emerged that China instructed all Chinese engineers and technicians at Foxconn plants in India to leave. A Bloomberg report highlighted that Apple's largest iPhone manufacturer has recalled over 300 Chinese engineers and technicians from its Indian facilities. This mass withdrawal began two months ago and has left only Taiwanese support staff at Foxconn's India plants.

Government Response to Foxconn Situation

The Indian government is closely monitoring the situation concerning the departure of Chinese engineers from Foxconn's plant. According to PTI news agency reports, a government source mentioned: "Government is monitoring the situation. Apple has alternatives and they should be able to look at ways to handle this. Issue is primarily between Apple and Foxconn." This statement suggests confidence in Apple's ability to manage production challenges despite the withdrawal of Chinese personnel.

A significant portion of mobile phone manufacturing equipment is imported from China. Chinese professionals possess expertise crucial for operating this machinery. The absence of these experts poses operational challenges as Foxconn prepares for iPhone 17 production.

The unfolding scenario underscores the delicate balance between international trade relations and domestic manufacturing ambitions. As India aims to strengthen its position as a global manufacturing hub, navigating these challenges will be critical for achieving its export targets.