After Alibaba, Dell now keen to invest in India

Computer maker Dell is planning to expand its manufacturing facility in the country.

Top officials of Dell called on Telecom and IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad and expressed keen interest in expanding their Chennai plant.

Speaking to reporters after his meeting with Dell team led by company's Asia Pacific and Japan Region President Amit Midha, Prasad said, "Dell is very interested in electronic manufacturing. They have a facility here which they want to expand.

"They have expressed need to have complete eco-system of components suppliers as well. I have asked them to share their suggestions and we will see what best we can do."

Dell invested $30 million in manufacturing facility at Sriperumbudur, near Chennai in Tamil Nadu.

"They told me that Dell employees 27,000 people in the country. They are very positive under (Narendra) Modiji led new government and with growing interest of investors in the country," Prasad said.

According to estimates shared by Dell with the minister, the demand for IT hardware in the country by end of 2013 was around $13.3 billion.

India's proximity with Middle East, Africa and Eastern Europe make it superior location for export compared to other parts of Asia, Dell officials said.

"They also want to work on Digital India programme which is now a buzz word across the world. They have said that the programme should also be linked to e-commerce expansion in the country," Prasad said.