August 20 2023: A broad coalition of America’s largest businesses protested the abrupt way in which India introduced tech import restrictions this month, saying the surprise move will damage New Delhi’s ambitions to become a global manufacturing hub and harm cons.
Global tech giants, including Apple, Intel, Google, Dell, HP among others have urged the US government to try every possible forum to get India to reconsider its policy on import restrictions for IT hardware.
In a letter on August 15, eight US-based trade bodies, including Consumer Technology Association, Information Technology Industry Council, Semiconductor Industry Association and United States Council for International Business, asked the US Trade Representative and the US Secretary of Commerce to use every available forum of engagement with the government of India to ensure that its measures in the Information and communications technology (ICT) sector are consistent with India’s international trade obligations and commitments. 
The trade bodies said the adoption of the licensing measures by the Indian government has raised concerns about India’s reliability as a trade and supply chain partner.  ( Bloomberg, Reuter)
However as of today the Indian government  has dug its heels in to stop the free flow of laptops and PCs into the country, and has put in place import licencing from November1
Opinions.. unanimously against the licence idea
Editorial in Hindu Businessline Restricting computer imports by licence is a bad idea
Editorial in The Hindu  ”The entire spectacle is a hark back to the early days of India’s IT industry that was gradually freed up through the 1970s and 1980s, and industry players are likely to remain on edge till the licensing criteria become clear. Would importers need to justify imports of cutting-edge devices, or a software firm need to submit proof of new hires or fresh export orders to secure licences?”
Editorial in FinancialExpress: Avoid licence raj: Licensing for IT hardware imports should be kept in abeyance
Editorial in The Times of India: Don't Compute: Why GOI should reverse import curbs on laptopd, PCs
 Editorial  in Economic Times  Please,not licence Raj in Camouflage:
Editorial in Live Mint   IT import curbs: Licence Raj or Make in India?