Boycott calls for Chinese handsets ignore reality of India's chipset market

The essence of any handset is the chip and that's where Chinese companies enjoy an unrivalled presence

It is election time and that means the seasonal outburst of swadeshi sentiments on social media by those who want a ban on Chinese goods, a sentiment fuelled by anger, in the aftermath of Pulwama, over China’s status as Pakistan's trusted ally. 

The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), a leading traders’ body, called for a boycott of Chinese goods and held a burning 'Holi' of Chinese goods all over the country on March 19. CAIT President B C Bhartia and Secretary Praveen Khandelwal urged the government to impose a 300 to 500 per cent customs duty on Chinese goods.