3 hours ago
Last Updated:May 15, 2025, 19:47 IST
According to a CNBC-TV18 report citing government sources, Apple has reaffirmed its commitment to India as a key production hub.
Apple has reaffirmed its commitment to India as a key production hub.
India is downplaying US President Donald Trump’s recent concerns over Apple’s growing manufacturing presence in the country. According to a CNBC-TV18 report citing government sources, Apple has reaffirmed its commitment to India as a key production hub.
“There is no change in Apple’s investment plans in India," the sources said, adding that the tech major has “assured the Indian government" of its continued engagement despite Trump’s remarks.
Speaking at an event in Doha, Trump said he had a direct conversation with Apple CEO Tim Cook, advising him against expanding Apple’s manufacturing footprint in India, unless it is specifically to serve the Indian market.
“Told Apple CEO Tim Cook we’re not interested in you building in India, they can take care of themselves," Trump said during a business event in Doha, Qatar, on May 15, according to a Bloomberg report.
Trump also said Apple would increase its production in the United States. “Apple will be upping their production in the United States," he added.
He also said India had offered to eliminate tariffs on US imports. “India has offered us a deal where basically they are willing to literally charge us no tariff," he said, speaking at a gathering of business leaders in Doha.
Industry Voices Urge Steady Focus
Despite the rhetoric, India’s electronics industry remains confident. Rajoo Goel, secretary general of the Electronic Industries Association of India (ELCINA), emphasised the importance of building deeper capabilities, according to CNBC-TV18.
“We need to go deeper into the value chain and do more of the components locally," Goel told CNBC-TV18, citing the government’s new electronic component manufacturing scheme as a positive step.
On Trump’s comments, he remarked, “It may slow things down a bit, but I really don’t think it is going to impact India that much. We are still doing a very small share of the global market for Apple."
Calling the statements “just a statement," Goel said India is on “a very strong footing" in electronics manufacturing. “Let us not get disheartened by this… I’m sure Donald Trump might change his stance," he added.
India has increasingly become an integral part of Apple’s global supply chain. Contract manufacturers like Foxconn and Pegatron have significantly expanded their operations under India’s production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme, and Apple’s iPhone exports from India have hit record levels in the past year.
Location :New York, United States of America (USA)
First Published:News business Apple Reassures Commitment To India As Key Production Hub Despite Trump's Objections: Report
