US President Donald Trump has claimed that he spoke with Apple CEO Tim Cook and asked him not to expand Apple’s production in India, reported Bloomberg.
“We’re not interested in you building in India. They can take care of themselves, they are doing very well," Trump told the Apple CEO at a business event in Doha, as quoted by Bloomberg.
Trump said that following his conversation, Apple will be increasing its production in the United States. He did not share further details about the outcome of the discussion or any changes in Apple’s plans in India.
Trump’s remarks came just days after India threatened to impose retaliatory tariffs on the US. This was in response to the US raising duties on Indian steel and aluminium exports.
Despite the recent tensions, people familiar with the matter told Bloomberg that trade talks between India and the US are still ongoing. Negotiations are continuing, and both countries are working towards reaching agreements.
During the same speech in Doha, Trump also said that India had made an offer to remove tariffs on US goods. “They are willing to literally charge us no tariff,” he said, without offering specific details of the offer.
India and the US began formal trade talks after Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the White House in February. At the time, both sides had agreed to complete the first phase of a trade agreement by the autumn. India’s trade minister is expected to visit the US between May 17 and 20 for more meetings with US officials, according to the Bloomberg report.
Trump’s comments come during a time of mixed signals in the relationship between India and the US. According to Bloomberg, Indian officials have grown frustrated over Trump’s recent public remarks. These included his announcement of a ceasefire between India and Pakistan and his suggestion that trade was used as a bargaining tool to help stop the military conflict between the two nations.
Indian officials have denied that trade matters were linked to talks over the military situation with Pakistan. No details have been officially released from either side confirming whether these issues were discussed together.
Apple has been steadily increasing its manufacturing presence in India over the last few years.
The company makes several iPhone models in the country through contract manufacturers such as Foxconn and Wistron. These efforts have been in line with India’s goal to attract more foreign investment in electronics and reduce reliance on imports.
