Trump Tells Tim Cook Not to Build iPhones in India

Despite showing signs of friendship with India in the past, former US President Donald Trump is now being accused of taking a U-turn. His comments against Apple’s manufacturing expansion in India have stirred controversy, especially at a time when India is emerging as a global tech hub.

At an event in Qatar, Trump revealed that he had asked Apple CEO Tim Cook not to invest further in India. “Apple is putting a lot of money into India. I just spoke to Tim yesterday and told him not to build in India,” Trump said, reiterating his long-standing stance that American companies should manufacture within the US.

Trump also criticized India’s high import tariffs on American products, stating that the US deserves a better deal. His statement comes even as Apple has been shifting a major chunk of its iPhone production to India, a move that has boosted India’s status as a manufacturing powerhouse.

In 2023–24 alone, India produced iPhones worth $22 billion, marking a 60% increase from the previous year. Apple is currently operating large-scale production through Foxconn and Pegatron facilities in Tamil Nadu. With this, India is projected to manufacture 25% of all iPhones sold in the US by 2025.

Apple’s support for the “Make in India” initiative has encouraged other global players to consider India as a strategic investment destination. While Trump’s comments may have political motives, especially with US elections nearing, experts believe India’s growing role in global supply chains is irreversible.

However, this divergence in views could influence future trade dynamics between India and the US. The world will be watching to see whether such remarks have any real impact on bilateral economic ties.