India’s PC import restrictions smack of desperation

India’s sudden decision to restrict the import of computers and tablets seems more like bureaucratic desperation than well-thought-out industrial policy. The move a day later to push back. implementation until November only adds to the feeling that New Delhi is making things up as it goes along.

The government of August 3 advertisement it means companies will need an import license to bring items like laptops into the country, a sign that previous incentives designed to boost domestic production have failed to gain traction. In particular, a 169 billion rupee ($2 billion) plan to return cash to computer equipment makers does not appear to be generating the levels of interest received by a previous policy targeting smartphone makers.