Cisco chief meets Ravi Shankar Prasad

A transparent tax regime and leveraging Internet for promotion of health and education in India were discussed

Cisco Chairman John Chambers held a meeting with Communications and IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad yesterday and discussed a range of issues including a transparent tax regime and leveraging Internet for the promotion of education and health in India.

During the meeting, Chambers -- who is also the CEO of the US-based networking solutions giant -- told Prasad that a more transparent tax regime would encourage foreign investors to set up units in India, sources said.

The chief of the over $48 billion entity also evinced interest in introduction of Internet technology in promotion of health and education sector in India, particularly in rural and developing areas, they added.

The Minister told Chambers that India will be keen to have a telecom equipment manufacturing unit set up in the country to reduce the dependency on imports and indigenise the telecom sector.

Chambers also met yesterday Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) Secretary Amitabh Kant and discussed various issues like hurdles that the firm faces in India and its experience in developing smart cities.

Chambers is believed to have told Kant that "market access and a consistent tax policy" are required to set up manufacturing base.

After the meeting, Chambers told reporters that Cisco appreciates the way the new government is moving, mainly in segments like enabling digitisation and bringing benefits of Internet to all citizens. He also mentioned some of the other focussed areas of the government such as healthcare, education and job creation.