As Trump Pressures Apple To Leave, India Says It’s A Competitive Hub

NEW DELHI, (ANI) – India continues to be a competitive hub for smartphone manufacturing, Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal said May 16, a day after President Donald Trump suggested he urged Apple CEO Tim Cook to stop expanding production in India.

“Companies will see competitive advantage while deciding their manufacturing strategy. India has emerged as a competitive hub for smartphone manufacturing,” Barthwal said, without commenting directly on the U.S. President’s remarks.

Apple has recently expanded its iPhone assembly operations in India, working with Foxconn and Tata Group to run production units in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.

Responding to reports that Trump claimed India offered a “zero-tariff” trade deal to the U.S., Barthwal noted that such statements have already been addressed by the External Affairs Minister.

“The talks are progressing very well, and a team is set to go to the U.S. to conduct further discussions,” he added, highlighting the ongoing bilateral trade negotiations.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar previously clarified that complex trade talks are underway and no final deal has been reached.