Don’t build in India, focus on America instead: Trump to Tim Cook

US President Donald Trump has claimed that he personally urged Apple CEO Tim Cook to halt further expansion of Apple’s manufacturing operations in India. Speaking at a business event in Doha, Trump said he told Cook that India is already doing well and doesn’t need Apple’s production investment. He added that following this conversation, Apple would now increase its manufacturing presence in the United States, though he did not provide any specific details or timelines regarding the shift.

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The remarks come during a time of heightened trade tension between India and the United States. India recently announced plans to impose retaliatory tariffs on American goods after the US raised duties on Indian steel and aluminium exports. Despite the friction, trade negotiations between the two countries are still ongoing, with India’s trade minister scheduled to visit Washington between May 17 and 20 for further talks.

In the same speech, Trump also claimed that India had offered to remove all tariffs on American goods, saying they were “willing to literally charge us no tariff.” No confirmation or official statement has been made from India regarding such an offer.

Indian officials have reportedly grown frustrated with Trump’s recent public comments, particularly those suggesting that trade discussions were connected to military diplomacy between India and Pakistan. India has denied any such linkage, stating that the two issues are being handled separately.

Meanwhile, Apple continues to strengthen its manufacturing base in India, producing several iPhone models through local partners such as Foxconn and Wistron. This supports India’s broader goal of becoming a global electronics manufacturing hub and reducing reliance on imports.