The 5G Question and India's Conundrum

This article examines the Indian response to the ongoing debate on 5G technology. It explores the divergence between the government and the industry stakeholders on the issue in India – particularly in the context of deteriorating Sino-Indian ties. Though the Indian government is yet to announce its stand on Chinese telecom equipment manufacturers, and as such, India's vacillation on 5G may look indecisive, given how various stakeholders are divided on the question of sourcing the equipment from the People's Republic of China, this delay also may represent a sophistication in India's outlook on this important questions, warrantinga cautious, “wait and watch” approach to arrive at a decision.