News Brief
Trump Opposes Apple’s Expansion Plans In India, Says Focus Should Be On Manufacturing In The US
US President Donald Trump (File Photo) (Representative Image)
US President Donald Trump has reportedly told Apple CEO Tim Cook not to expand manufacturing operations in India, according to a Bloomberg report.
“We’re not interested in you building in India. They can take care of themselves, they are doing very well," Trump told the Apple CEO at a business event in Doha, as quoted by Bloomberg.
Trump added that Apple would expand production in the US following the discussion but did not disclose further details on the impact this would have on Apple’s India plans.
Over the recent years, Apple has consistently ramped up its manufacturing footprint in India.
Apple currently produces multiple iPhone models in India via contractors like Foxconn and Wistron—aligning with India’s policy push to attract global electronics manufacturing and cut import dependence
Trump's comments come after India warned of retaliatory tariffs against the US in response to increased American duties on Indian steel and aluminium exports.
Trump had earlier referred to an earlier talk with Tim Cook after the US-China tariff talk in Geneva, when he praised Apple’s decision to expand manufacturing within the United States.
“I spoke to Tim Cook this morning, and he’s going to even up his numbers… $500 billion. He’s building a lot of plants in the United States,” Trump said from the Oval Office in White House.
Negotiations are reportedly continuing, and both countries are working towards reaching agreements.
Trump further claimed during the Doha event that India had proposed removing tariffs on American products, stating, “They are willing to literally charge us no tariff.” He did not provide specifics.
The India-US trade dialogue began after Prime Minister Modi’s visit to the White House in February, with both countries aiming to finalise phase one of a trade deal within this year.
Commerce minister Piyush Goyal is scheduled to visit Washington between 17 and 19 May.
Trump's remarks also come amid the ongoing tensions between India and the US over Trump's claim that he mediated a ceasefire between India and Pakistan.
Indian officials have reportedly grown frustrated over Trump’s recent public remarks, including his announcement of a ceasefire between India and Pakistan and his suggestion that trade was used as a bargaining tool to help stop the military conflict between the two nations.
