India is a key component of Apple’s worldwide manufacturing strategy, despite political pressure from outgoing US President Donald Trump. Apple executives quickly informed Indian government authorities that the company’s plans to grow operations in India remain unchanged after Trump publicly encouraged Apple CEO Tim Cook to decrease production in India and increase it in the United States.
Government sources attested to Apple’s prompt and forceful response to elucidate its stance. The tech giant reaffirmed its dedication to India’s rapidly expanding manufacturing sector and the country’s continued pivotal role in its global supply chain.
iPhones Made in India: From Hyderabad to the U.S.
It is now a reality that India will become a major base for iPhone production. India now produces 15% of Apple’s iPhones worldwide, which is a major turning point for the nation’s electronics manufacturing industry.
iPhones are being actively assembled in a number of Indian states by major Apple suppliers, including Foxconn, Pegatron, and Tata Electronics. In a significant move, Foxconn has started manufacturing AirPods in Telangana, establishing India as a key hub for products beyond smartphones.
This shift is not only helping Apple diversify its supply chain but is also insulating the company from potential global trade disruptions, especially those involving China and the U.S.
Export Surge: iPhones Worth ₹1.5 Lakh Crore Shipped in FY25
India’s production prowess is being felt around the world. According to Union IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, iPhones worth ₹1.5 lakh crore were exported from India in FY 2025. This highlights India’s growing dominance in Apple’s global strategy.
In March 2025 alone, Apple shipped 3.1 million iPhones from India, with an overwhelming 97.6% of them headed to the U.S. The timing is no coincidence—these exports likely aim to dodge any potential U.S. tariffs and reflect Apple’s nimble balancing of trade conditions.
Tim Cook previously stated that most iPhones sold in the U.S. this quarter will come from India, while production for other markets will continue in China. This geographical balancing act not only protects Apple’s margins but also reinforces its multi-country manufacturing strategy.
Jobs Boom: 2 Lakh New Opportunities in Apple’s India Ecosystem
Beyond the macroeconomics, Apple’s India push is paying social dividends as well. The company’s expanding supply chain has already created over 2 lakh jobs across various partner companies and vendors in India. This includes employment in component manufacturing, assembly, logistics, and after-sales services.
India’s aspirations to become a global electronics manufacturing hub are being turbocharged by Apple’s trust and investment. The ripple effects are enormous—boosting ancillary industries, strengthening infrastructure, and improving skill development.
Strategic Balance: Navigating Trump’s Pressure and India’s Promise
Trump’s call for Apple to “build in the U.S., not India” was accompanied by praise for India’s low tariffs—something he implied gives India an unfair trade advantage. He also claimed to have secured a “tariff-free deal” with India, though such a deal has not been confirmed.
However, Apple is clearly walking a tightrope between political expectations and business realities. While the company has continued to invest in U.S. operations, the cost benefits, scale, and efficiency offered by India are too significant to ignore.
The Bigger Picture: India’s Tech Manufacturing Leap
Apple’s steadfast commitment is not just a business story—it’s a symbol of India’s growing clout in global electronics manufacturing. The country has gone from being a minor assembly hub to a core part of Apple’s global supply chain in just a few years.
With continued government support through the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes and improving ease of doing business, India is now competing with giants like China and Vietnam to become the world’s tech factory.
And with Apple leading the charge, the future looks bright—not just for iPhones, but for India’s ambitions on the world stage.
