Tim Cook Meets Indian Prime Minister Modi... Reaffirms Apple's Investment Commitment

by Lee Jieun

Published 20 Apr.2023 06:42(KST)

Apple CEO Tim Cook met with India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi to reaffirm investment in India.

According to Bloomberg on the 19th (local time), Cook, who is visiting India, met with Prime Minister Modi in the capital New Delhi and stated that Apple will continue its commitment and investment in India. Local media also reported that he promised additional hiring when he met with Ashwini Vaishnaw, India's Minister of Communications.

Apple CEO Tim Cook (left in the photo) and Indian Prime Minister Modi (right in the photo) [Image source: Tim Cook SNS screen capture]

This is the first time in seven years since 2016 that CEO Cook has visited India and met with Prime Minister Modi. Following their meeting, Apple began assembling iPhone models in India starting in 2017.

Through Twitter, Cook expressed, "I appreciate Prime Minister Modi's warm hospitality. We share your vision of the positive impact that India's future technology can have, from education and manufacturing to the environment," adding, "We are committed to growing and investing across India."

Prime Minister Modi also tweeted, "It was a pleasure to meet Cook. I am glad to discuss various topics and highlight the technology-driven changes happening in India."

Apple opened its first offline store in Mumbai, India's largest city, on the 18th, and will open its second store in New Delhi on the 20th.

Apple believes there is significant growth potential in the Indian market, considering that its market share in India's smartphone market is currently less than 5%.

Moreover, India has recently emerged as a production base that can replace China. Apple is manufacturing the latest iPhone 14 in India, and Foxconn, Apple's largest partner from Taiwan, is building an iPhone parts factory in Bangalore, southern India.