Cisco eyeing expansion in India

Hints at creating a manufacturing base in future with the arrival of a new and stable government

US technology company Cisco Systems said on Friday it was open to expanding its presence in India. It also expressed its desire to set up a manufacturing base in the country, with the arrival of a ‘stable’ government at the Centre.

“We are very open... We discussed the possibilities of that (increasing presence here). Electronic manufacturing is something we can take a hard look at. We led electronic manufacturing in China 15 years ago and brought its concept,” said John Chambers, chief executive and chairman.

He was talking to reporters after meeting Industry Secretary Amitabh Kant. Lauding the quality of Indian engineers, Chambers said the manufacturing sector was expected to grow here with consistent tax policies and market access. He also expressed hope revenues from India would grow.

“India has a very bright and prosperous future. We like the new government leaders’ plans for businesses and where they are headed,” he said.

Chambers said India’s plans to digitise the country and bring benefits of the internet to all citizens in areas such as health care, education and job creation were exciting. “We see a government willing to make changes and we want to be a partner in that,” he added.

Cisco invests about a billion dollars in India every year, Chambers said. Recently, the company invested $40 million in a start-up.

“India is our second world headquarters. We lead in corporate social responsibility here. I believe in India, I love your country, I love your engineers - they are really good,” he stated.

Cisco is also keen to partner with India in creation of smart cities. The Bharatiya Janata Party government has plans to create 100 smart cities.

The California-based networking equipment maker is already involved in the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor project, in which it is creating the information and communication solutions.

Earlier, Chambers had stated that India’s contribution to Cisco’s overall revenues would grow five per cent thanks to the strong demand for cloud and networking services.

Chambers was earlier quoted as saying that he finds Prime Minister Narendra Modi as “decisive and focused”, which is “very good” for business.

“I am very much a believer in India and the rule of law. India has 600,000 English-speaking engineers. It has tremendous resources to focus on,” he noted.