Call for local manufacturing not protectionist, says HP

HP, one of the world’s top personal computer maker, is enthused about the Indian government’s revised Make in India plans for laptops. Global CEO Enrique Lores does not find conditions around the new import policy ‘protectionist’ as he charts an aggressive investment and manufacturing expansion plans for the country, including with budget devices that could come for under $200 (sub-Rs 16,000) or monthly subscriptions of $10 (around Rs 800). Lores sees the government’s emphasis on finding ‘trusted’ partners beyond China as not an extraordinary demand. “I think cybersecurity has become a key need for any company and any government. And the trusted source requirements is not unique,” he tells TOI in an interview: Excerpts: