India is taking steps to curb imports of laptops and computer parts as part of a broader strategy to stimulate domestic manufacturing and reduce reliance on foreign electronics, particularly from China. The government's decision to introduce import restrictions is intended to encourage multinational tech companies such as Apple, Dell, and Lenovo to establish local production units.

According to Mordor Intelligence, India's IT hardware market, including laptops, is valued at nearly $20 billion, with only $5 billion produced domestically. The majority of demand is met through imports, primarily from China. This reliance on foreign suppliers highlights India's need to reduce its dependency on technology imports.

Previous attempts to restrict laptop imports were scrapped last year, but the government has continued to monitor imports under a temporary system. The new policy, which is expected to come into effect early next year, is seen as a crucial step towards achieving self-sufficiency in electronics manufacturing.

India has already initiated several measures to enhance domestic manufacturing capabilities, including the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, which provides financial incentives for electronics manufacturers to meet production targets. This program aims to make it more financially viable for global tech giants to manufacture products in India, with companies like Apple and Dell reportedly showing interest in expanding their local operations.

However, there are potential challenges ahead. Restricting imports without a simultaneous increase in local manufacturing could lead to short-term supply shortages and higher consumer costs. The development of India's domestic manufacturing sector to produce advanced electronics competitively may take time, but the government's push towards localization reflects a significant shift in its approach to technology and manufacturing.