Morning Brief: Jaishankar Says India Unfazed By Trump’s Comeback, Unlike Many Countries; Apple Could Double iPhone Production In India To Over $30 Billion Annually; And More

Dear reader, make sense of the day’s news with Swarajya's roundup of what’s making headlines this morning. 

Unlike Many Others, India Unfazed by Trump’s Comeback: Jaishankar:

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar stated that India has no apprehensions following Donald Trump’s victory in the US presidential election, unlike other nations.

Speaking at an event in Mumbai, he credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ability to build strong relationships with successive US presidents.

Jaishankar highlighted that Modi had successfully connected with Barack Obama, Donald Trump, and Joe Biden over his tenure, suggesting a natural ease in forging diplomatic ties. He said, “I know many countries are nervous about the US today, but let’s be honest.

We are not one of them." Jaishankar also noted that PM Modi was one of the first world leaders to congratulate Trump on his win. During their call, Trump reportedly praised Modi as a “magnificent man” admired worldwide.

Trump's China Tariffs Could Push Apple To Double Production in India

Apple could potentially double its iPhone production in India to over $30 billion annually within the next two years if US President Donald Trump follows through on his threat to impose hefty tariffs on Chinese imports, Economic Times has reported. .

Currently, Apple manufactures around $15-16 billion worth of iPhones in India. Trump's previous tariffs on Chinese goods, including a 25 per cent levy, created a precedent for such a move, which could lead Apple to shift more of its production to India.

This shift could significantly increase India's share in the iPhone supply chain from 12-14 per cent to more than 26 per cent. The expansion would also create around 200,000 jobs in India. While this could strain certain aspects of India’s trade relationship with China, the electronics sector, particularly iPhone production, stands to gain substantially.

Other Developments

Army Prepares For Fifth Winter Deployment In Eastern Ladakh

The Indian Army is preparing for another challenging winter in Ladakh, one of the most demanding military deployments globally, as winter sets in.

Despite a patrolling agreement with China, tensions remain high in the region, which sits at an altitude of 17,800 feet. A recent video from the Army's Leh-based Fourteen Corps shows soldiers carrying a 1,200 kg advanced air defence gun to a high altitude post, highlighting the Army's readiness for any contingencies.

This winter marks the Indian Army’s fifth consecutive deployment in Ladakh, emphasising its focus on securing the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Despite the Demchok and Depsang patrolling agreements, India will not reduce its troop presence in eastern Ladakh. Over 50,000 security personnel have been stationed in the region since 2020.

Trump Advises Putin Against Escalating Ukraine Conflict

US President-elect Donald Trump reportedly spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin on November 7, just two days after his election victory, according to Reuters. During their conversation, Trump advised Putin against escalating the conflict, reminding him of the large US military presence in western Europe.

Putin’s congratulatory message to Trump had emphasised his willingness to restore US-Russia relations and pursue an end to the war in Ukraine, sources revealed. Trump took the call from his Florida resort, expressing interest in improving ties.

Neither the US nor Russia has confirmed this conversation. Last week, at a public event in Sochi, Putin addressed his openness to speaking with Trump, saying, “We are ready to speak to Trump if world leaders seek to restore contacts.”

Russia To Deliver First Of Two Frigates By Month End

India is set to receive a guided-missile frigate from Russia by the end of this month, after a delay caused by the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. The multi-role frigate, with a displacement of nearly 4,000 tonnes, will be handed over to the Indian crew stationed at the Yantar Shipyard in Kaliningrad. The ship will be commissioned as INS Tushil, with the second frigate, Tamal, expected to be delivered early next year.

However, the delivery of two remaining squadrons of S-400 Triumf air defense missile systems is now likely to be delayed until 2026, while the lease of a nuclear-powered attack submarine has been pushed back to 2028.

The other two warships are being built at Goa Shipyard with technology transfer at an overall cost of around Rs 13,000 crore, with the first ship, Triput, launched in July this year.

Canada Shamed Into Action, Arrests Khalistan Terrorist After Long Delay

Canadia has arrested Inderjeet Gosal, a senior member of Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), in connection with an attack on a consular camp at a temple in Brampton last week. The 35-year-old Khalistani terrorist has been charged with assault with a weapon following the protest outside the Hindu Sabha Mandir. Gosal, who is SFJ’s coordinator for Canada, was an associate of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a designated terrorist killed in June last year.

Reports suggest that Arshdeep Singh Gill, also known as Arsh Dalla, a Khalistani extremist designated a terrorist by India, may have been arrested in Ontario following a shooting incident on October 28 in Milton. The Halton Regional Police Service had arrested two men on charges related to discharging a firearm with intent, but their identities were not disclosed. It is believed that one of those arrested is Arsh Dalla, who is linked to the banned Khalistan Tiger Force and ran terror modules on behalf of Nijjar.

From The States

Yogi Calls SP's 'PDA' The ‘Production House of Criminals,’ Akhilesh It's CEO

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday criticised the Samajwadi Party (SP) and offered a new interpretation of the term ‘PDA’ coined by SP in the 2022 Assembly elections. Originally referring to 'Pichhde' (backwards), Dalits, and 'Alpsankhyak' (minorities), Adityanath redefined PDA as the "Production House of Dangai (rioters) and Apradhi (criminals)," accusing SP of harboring criminal elements.

Speaking at a rally in Ambedkar Nagar, Adityanath claimed that SP’s PDA represents a network of criminals and rioters. He further alleged that every major criminal, mafia, and rapist has ties to SP, adding, “Its CEO is Akhilesh Yadav, and the trainer is Shivpal Yadav.”

Karnataka: Channapatna Bypoll Heating Up Amid Fierce Rivalry

The bypoll for the Channapatna is seeing a fierce contest, fuelled by the rivalry between Union Minister and JD(S) leader H D Kumaraswamy and Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar. Both leaders are also competing for the leadership of the Vokkaliga community, with Shivakumar, the state Congress chief, facing significant pressure following Congress's disappointing performance in the Lok Sabha elections.

In the race for the seat, Kumaraswamy’s son Nikhil is up against Congress candidate C P Yogeshwara, a former BJP leader. The bypoll became necessary after Kumaraswamy vacated the seat following his win in Mandya. Channapatna is one of the nine Assembly constituencies under the Bangalore Rural Lok Sabha seat.

Stay tuned for more insights throughout the day.