During a recent visit to Qatar, U.S. President Donald Trump stirred controversy with his remarks about India, particularly in the context of Apple’s global manufacturing strategy. Speaking at a high-profile meeting with top CEOs — including Apple CEO Tim Cook — Trump openly criticized Apple’s decision to expand its manufacturing operations in India.
Trump argued that Apple should prioritize domestic production, suggesting that its manufacturing plants should be set up in the United States instead. While acknowledging that India is performing well economically and is self-sufficient, Trump stressed that American companies need to bring jobs back home.
He also criticized India’s high import tariffs, labeling the country as one of the toughest markets for selling foreign products. Trump revealed that the U.S. had offered India a deal allowing tariff-free exports, but emphasized that this did not change his stance: Apple, he said, should not be expanding its footprint in India.
Currently, Apple operates three manufacturing plants in India — two in Tamil Nadu and one in Karnataka. The company is reportedly planning to increase its production capabilities in the country, a move seen as part of its broader strategy to diversify supply chains beyond China.
Despite Trump’s remarks, recent reports confirm that Tim Cook remains committed to expanding Apple’s manufacturing in India, signaling the tech giant’s strategic focus on the growing Indian market and resilient global supply chains.
