The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is trying to control how the world lives. It is literally trying to take over every single technology in popular use and harvest personal data of billions of people across the world.
So, when India opened its commercial drone sector and allowed individuals and private organisations to use drones, China was excited about dominating India’s drones market. But India has hit back at Beijing with its decision to ban foreign-made drones.
India’s ban on foreign-made drones
India announced a ban on foreign drones on Wednesday. The ban is aimed at encouraging ‘Made in India’ drones and to push the local industry to ramp up production.
Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) issued a notification stating, “Import of drones in Completely-Built-Up (CBU), Semi-knocked-down (SKD) or Completely-Knocked-down (CKD) form is prohibited”.
There are a few exceptions too. The notification stated, “Government entities, educational institutions recognized by central or state government, government-recognized R&D entities and drone manufacturers for R&D purpose” shall be allowed subject to clearance by DGFT and Ministries.
Plans to boost local industry
The government says that the ban on importing drones is aimed at boosting domestic drones manufacturing.
India’s domestic drone market accounts for around 4.25 per cent of the global drone market and has a worth of about $28.5 billion.
The Indian drones market is set to grow bigger from here. India relaxed rules on use of drones only last year. The new norms made it easier to acquire licenses. They also allowed carrying heavier payloads, so that the devices could potentially be used as unmanned flying taxis.
Today, drones are being used in wedding functions, holidays to exotic places, movies production, industrial activity, e-commerce, and supply of medical products.
Stonewalling China
While the explicit object of the ban is to promote the interests of local manufacturers, it automatically stonewalls China too.
Presently, China enjoys a near monopoly in the global commercial and consumer drones market. More specifically, China’s SZ DJI Technology Co., the world’s top dronemaker, holds a wide monopoly in the sector. DJI holds 70 percent of the global commercial and consumer drone market.
Most of the drones flying around are made by DJI, but there are data safety concerns. As per Bloomberg, concerns have surfaced that Shenzhen-based DJI could be relaying some critical data to the Chinese intelligence agencies. This includes strategic infrastructure like bridges and dams, as well as personal data like heart rates and facial impressions.
So, just like Huawei, there are espionage concerns with DJI too. Recently, Taiwanese experts too warned that China-made drones used by private companies and individuals could be transferring information all the way back to Beijing. It is only due to such concerns that the US’ 2020 National Defence Authorization Act restricted the federal government from procuring Chinese drones.
Still, when India revamped its drones policy, DJI had tried to expand its foothold in the country. DJI had then stated, “DJI applauds the Indian government’s plans to liberalise and open the drone market. Drones are driving economic growth and boosting worker productivity and safety across the globe…. India stands to see similar benefits from the adoption of this exciting new technology. While it is too early for definitive plans, DJI would hope to be part of this exciting new chapter. We will continue to watch how the draft rules develop with interest and hopes for India’s future.”
However, India has made it clear that Indians will use only Indian drones. The ban thus comes as a huge setback for Chinese dronemakers.