India needs to develop electronics, telecommunication: PM

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Thursday said India needs to develop a strong domestic manufacturing base in electronics and telecommunication, adding that the usage of internet is quite low in the country.

 

"I would like to take today's opportunity to repeat a point that I made last year. India needs to develop a strong domestic manufacturing base in electronics and telecommunication. It is estimated that by 2020 India will be importing electronics product worth $300 billion, which will be more than the value of our oil imports.

 

"We need to act now to avoid a situation where we face difficulties in financing these imports. India should have manufacturing facilities which result in a balanced trade in electronics products and are part of global supply change," the prime minister said after inaugurating India Telecom 2013 organised by FICCI and the department of telecommunication here.

 

The prime minister also expressed his concern with the country's tele-density.

 

"With a rural tele-density of just over 40%, there are millions whose life still remains untouched by the telecom revolution. And this is a challenge that should worry all of us," he said.

 

"This deficit is further magnified when it comes to internet connectivity. On a per-capita basis, the usage of the internet is quite low in India. Both the availability and reliability of internet services outside the major cities leave much to be desired," he added.