Donald Trump questions Apple's manufacturing plans in India; Tim Cook's direct reply to Donald Trump

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has sparked a fresh debate around Apple’s global manufacturing strategy, particularly its growing footprint in India. In a recent statement, Trump urged Apple CEO Tim Cook to prioritize American production and questioned the company’s expanding operations in India.

“I spoke to Tim Cook. You're building a $500 billion company, and now I hear you're going to start working in India. But you don't want to build in America. If you want to help India, fine—but India is one of the highest-tariff countries in the world. It’s difficult to sell there. India has given us a deal promising zero tariffs on our goods. Now we don’t want you to build in India. India can take care of itself. They are doing a very good job. We want you to work in America,” Trump said.

The comments come as Apple continues to ramp up its manufacturing operations in India through partnerships with Foxconn and Tata. According to Indian government sources, Apple has made it clear that it will not scale down its investments in India despite Trump's remarks. The company is currently assembling iPhones in India, and by 2025, an estimated 15% of iPhones manufactured in the country are expected to be exported to the United States.

In response to Trump’s statement, senior Apple officials in India reaffirmed the company's commitment to the Indian market. "Our production and investment plans in India will continue. India is and will remain an important part of Apple’s global supply chain,” said Apple’s India team in an official communication. They added, “'Make in India' has positioned India as a valuable partner in manufacturing. For Apple, decisions are driven not by politics but by global competitiveness.”

Sources also confirmed that following Trump's comments, Indian government officials held discussions with Apple representatives to assess the potential impact. Apple reassured them that its long-term plans in India remain unchanged. Meanwhile, Trump claimed that Apple is set to invest $500 billion in expanding production within the United States—a move he strongly endorses as part of his broader push for domestic manufacturing.

Trump’s remarks have sparked concerns over whether geopolitical rhetoric could affect India’s growing position as a global hub for electronics manufacturing. However, Apple’s firm stance suggests the company is confident in its India strategy and in the advantages offered by the 'Make in India' initiative.