Chinese smartphone makers have long held a prominent position in the Indian smartphone market. However, these companies are facing mounting challenges from the Indian government. A recent law was enacted, prohibiting the preinstallation of some Google apps on smartphones sold in India.
The essential apps offered by Google like Google Messages and Google Phone no longer come preloaded on devices sold in the country. While users still have the option to download and use these apps independently, the government aims to ensure that smartphones are not shipped with preinstalled Google apps. You can read our previous article to learn more here: Google changes the way Android phones work in India, no Google Messages anymore?
Foreigns won’t be eligible for executive positions of Chinese smartphone companies in India
Indian government has mandated that executives employed by Chinese smartphone companies must be Indian nationals exclusively. This means that individuals living in India and who are not Indian citizens will not be permitted to hold management positions in phone companies.
The companies have been directed to appoint Indian executives in key roles such as CEO, COO, CFO, and CTO. It is important to note that this request from the Indian government is not specific to Xiaomi alone; it extends to other Chinese smartphone manufacturers like OPPO, realme, vivo, and numerous others.
What is your assessment of India’s action, considering that Sundar Pichai is someone born in India and is permitted to hold the position of Google’s CEO in the United States? Would you support this new step by Indian government? Please feel free to share your opinion in the comments section.
