NEW DELHI (Reuters) - India is set to test 5G cellular networks in the next few months, but has yet to decide whether to invite Chinese telecoms equipment maker Huawei to participate, government communications minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said.

Huawei is the world's largest manufacturer of the equipment, and is now amid geopolitical rivalries between China and the United States. The administration of President Donald Trump blacklisted the company in May, citing national security concerns, and asked its allies not to use Huawei equipment, saying that China could exploit it to spy.

China to India: Don't follow Trump's steps
Informed sources said China has asked India not to stop Huawei from doing business in the country, warning that there could be consequences for Indian companies operating in China.

India's ambassador to Beijing, Vikram Misri, was summoned to the Chinese Foreign Ministry on July 10 to hear China's concerns about the US campaign to keep Huawei out of the list of companies invited to develop all 5G mobile infrastructure, two sources familiar with the internal discussions in New Delhi said. around the world.

During the meeting, Chinese officials said that "reverse sanctions" could be imposed on Indian companies operating in China if India banned Huawei because of pressure from Washington, one source said.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry said Beijing hoped India would make an independent decision on the five bidders.

"Huawei has carried out operations in India for a long time and has made contributions to the development of Indian society and a clear economy for all," Hua Chunying said in a statement.

On the issue of Chinese companies involved in building India's 5G networks, she said: "We hope the Indian side will make an independent and objective decision and provide a fair and non-discriminatory trading environment for Chinese enterprises' investment and operations, for mutual benefit."

The Indian Foreign Ministry did not respond to a request for comment.

Major right-wing group linked to Indian Prime Minister Moody's alliance does not trust China, criticizing Huawei (Getty Images)

Hindus with Trump

Indian companies have a much lower presence in China than other major economies, but these companies - including Mahinder and Laboratories Reliance Industries - have a foothold in China's manufacturing, healthcare and financial services.

The main right-wing group linked to Prime Minister Moody's coalition, which does not trust China and encourages self-reliance in the economy, has stepped up criticism of Huawei.

In a letter to Modi last week, Ashwani Mahajan, head of the economic wing of the Hindu nationalist movement (Rashtriya Swayamsivak Sang), said there were concerns about Huawei's operations in India.``As a country we are not yet sure we can rely on Huawei, '' he said.

Globally, "Chinese companies, including Huawei, face allegations that they are short of projects and are under the spotlight because of allegations of using their spy equipment."

Minister Prasad told parliament that six proposals had been received to test the 5G technology, including Huawei. He did not name the other companies, but is expected to participate companies such as: Nokia Ericsson Sweden in Sweden, and Samsung South Korea.