CCTV Rule in India: New Regulations on Chinese Devices Expected
Recently, an explosion involving electronic items, including pagers and walkie-talkies, in Lebanon resulted in over 20 civilian deaths and more than 2,000 injuries. This incident has heightened tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, and it has raised concerns globally about the safety of electronic devices. In light of this, India is on alert and may introduce a new policy regarding Chinese CCTV cameras in the country.
Following the pager blasts in Lebanon, the Indian government is reportedly preparing to take action to limit the use of such devices from China. According to a report by Times of India, the government is likely to implement regulations aimed at promoting local manufacturing. A new rule from the central government could come into effect as early as October 8, potentially phasing out Chinese cameras from the Indian market, which would benefit Indian companies.
In the wake of the Lebanon bombings, the Indian government is prioritizing the development and enforcement of guidelines for CCTV cameras. Varun Gupta, a research analyst at Counterpoint Research, noted that CP Plus, Hikvision, and Dahua currently control over 60% of the Indian market for CCTV cameras. While CP Plus is an Indian company, Hikvision and Dahua are Chinese. Gupta emphasized the need for increased localization in these products.
This move aligns with similar actions taken by the United States, which banned Hikvision and Dahua in November 2022 due to national security concerns. The U.S. government has expressed suspicions that these Chinese devices could be used for espionage, prompting India to consider similar regulations.
As the situation unfolds, the Indian government’s upcoming decisions regarding CCTV regulations will be closely watched, as they aim to enhance national security and support local businesses.
