Apple has a list of demands before it can start making iPhones in India
For months, tech-giant Apple has been seeking ways to enter the Indian market while upholding 'business facets' - minimum risk and maximum profit. However, if Tim Cook thought he would have it easy with India, he's probably mistaken - Indians are admirably better at setting terms and conditions of a bargain than most others. Last month, Apple announced plans to make iPhones for the Indian market in Bengaluru in association with Wistron, a Taiwanese OEM manufacturer for Apple and will start production by April 2017. According to reports published in The Business Standard, Foxconn, the biggest contract manufacturer for Apple has also been roped in to set up a manufacturing unit in India. Apple wants to replicate its China success in India - But it has conditions that the government needs to look into. What Apple wants from the government
1. 15-year custom duty exemption 2. Concessions like relaxation in labelling rules 3. Used smartphones to assemble locally
What does the government have to say about this? Government sources said the technology major should set up the manufacturing unit in India without seeking additional support. As many as 42 companies are making mobile phones in India, including Chinese firm Huawei and Xiaomi, and no firm has approached the government for any additional incentives. "We are discussing that ... no other mobile manufacturer has sought any extra concessions ... we have not taken any decision," Commerce and Industry Minister Nirmala Sitharaman told reporters here when asked about the government's view on the issue regarding the iPhone maker. She added: "I am not saying that we have said yes, I am not saying that we have said no.�