Donald Trump asks Apple CEO Tim Cook to stop manufacturing in India, urging more production in the US. Here’s how this impacts India’s goal to become a global tech manufacturing hub.
Washington, D.C. — In a bold statement that may shake the global tech manufacturing landscape, former U.S. President Donald Trump has publicly urged Apple CEO Tim Cook to shift operations out of India and focus more on production within the United States. The statement, made during his Middle East visit, has sparked fresh debate about U.S.-India trade relations and the future of Apple’s manufacturing footprint.
Trump to Tim Cook: “India Can Take Care of Itself”
During a state visit to Qatar, Donald Trump revealed a tense exchange with Tim Cook, criticizing Apple’s increasing investments in India.
“He is building all over India. I don’t want you building in India. India can take care of itself,” Trump remarked, highlighting his dissatisfaction with Apple’s overseas production strategy.
The comment reflects Trump’s long-standing push for American companies to return manufacturing jobs to the U.S., particularly amid the complex global supply chain tensions exacerbated by the U.S.-China trade war.
No-Tariff Deal Ignored?
Interestingly, Trump disclosed that India had offered the U.S. a “no-tariff deal” in an effort to boost bilateral trade. Despite this significant concession from New Delhi, Trump remains firm in his stance.
“Even though India has one of the highest tariff barriers in the world, they offered us a deal where they are literally willing to charge us no tariff,” Trump said, yet he continued to push for Apple’s expansion in the U.S.
This statement comes against the backdrop of a broader geopolitical strain, including Trump’s controversial claim of mediating between India and Pakistan, which New Delhi has consistently denied.
Apple’s Deepening Roots in India
Trump’s remarks could complicate India’s aspirations of becoming a global manufacturing powerhouse. In recent years, Apple has significantly expanded its presence in the country:
- $22 billion worth of iPhones were assembled in India in the 12 months through March 2025 — a staggering 60% increase from the previous year.
- Foxconn, Apple’s key manufacturing partner, runs a major plant in southern India and is expanding capacity further.
- Tata Electronics, having acquired Wistron’s India operations, is emerging as a key Apple supplier and also managing Pegatron’s operations in India.
- Both Tata and Foxconn are investing in new facilities across southern India.
These developments reflect Apple’s strategy to diversify beyond China and tap into India’s growing workforce and production ecosystem.
What This Means for India
If Apple were to slow or reverse its India expansion plans under U.S. political pressure, it could hamper India’s goal of becoming the next big tech manufacturing hub. It may also discourage other global tech firms eyeing India as a viable alternative to China.
However, analysts suggest that Apple is unlikely to abandon its India strategy entirely, given the country’s massive market potential and policy support under the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme.
Donald Trump’s direct message to Tim Cook — urging Apple to pull back from India — adds a new twist to the evolving global tech supply chain dynamics. While the U.S. pushes for domestic manufacturing, India remains determined to solidify its role as a reliable global tech production base.
How Apple navigates this political tightrope could shape the future of global electronics manufacturing for years to come.
More Stories
India Revokes Security Clearance of Turkish Ground Handling Firm Celebi Amid Diplomatic Tensions
India Not a Votary of War, But Will Respond Fiercely If Sovereignty Is Threatened: Rajnath Singh in Srinagar
New CJI Takes Charge, President Sends Special Reference to SC on Governor Powers Verdict – A New Chapter in Centre vs State Tensions?