Cisco Expansion Plans Awaits Policy Clarity on IT Hardware Imports

New Delhi, Jul 10 (KNN) Cisco Systems, the global networking giant, is aiming to expand its footprint in India, especially in manufacturing and research, but is currently awaiting clarity on India’s evolving trade policy, particularly concerning IT hardware imports.

Daisy Chittilapilly, President of Cisco India and SAARC, stated that while the company has a strong presence in software and engineering in India, it is keen to grow its local manufacturing capabilities. 

However, ambiguity surrounding India’s trade policy and the import management system for IT hardware has made the company cautious about making fresh investments in this area.

The Indian government’s move last year to restrict imports of laptops, tablets, and servers—under the newly introduced Import Management System—was later put on hold following industry concerns. 

The policy shift was part of India's broader push to promote local manufacturing through schemes like Production Linked Incentives (PLI).

Cisco inaugurated its first manufacturing unit in India last year, aligning with its long-term strategy to diversify global supply chains and reduce dependency on any single geography. 

Chittilapilly emphasised that the company is committed to India and sees it as a key market and talent hub, but greater transparency in policies is crucial for long-term planning.

India is already home to Cisco’s second-largest employee base globally, with over 17,000 staff across engineering, sales, and operations. Cisco also plans to strengthen its collaboration with Indian startups and universities.

As the government works to fine-tune its import policy to balance domestic manufacturing and trade needs, global tech firms like Cisco are watching closely. 

Industry experts believe that clear, stable policies will be essential to attracting sustained foreign investment in India’s growing tech ecosystem.

(KNN Bureau)