In a fresh twist to U.S.-India tech ties, former President Donald Trump has reportedly urged Apple CEO Tim Cook not to produce iPhones in India, pushing for their manufacturing to remain on American soil. The comment comes amidst Apple’s expanding operations in India, aiming to shift a significant portion of iPhone production by 2026, reducing dependence on China.
The timing of Trump’s remark is no coincidence. Apple has been ramping up its Indian manufacturing base, exporting over 97% of iPhones made in India to the U.S., largely to avoid anticipated tariffs on Chinese goods. Trump’s “America First” stance has long criticised outsourcing, and Apple’s India pivot is a clear deviation from that vision.
US President Donald Trump said that he had spoken with the Apple CEO Tim Cook and asked him to limit Apple's expansion in India. Recently, Apple took some steps to expand its iPhone production in India, setting up assembly plants operating in the country. Two of these plants are… pic.twitter.com/wKRdU9JXO9
— Augadh (@AugadhBhudeva) May 16, 2025
India, meanwhile, has been positioning itself as the next global tech manufacturing hub. Apple’s shift could create over 200,000 jobs and bring in more than $30 billion in revenue for India’s economy. For a country striving to elevate its Make in India campaign, Trump’s suggestion may come off as more than just a policy preference, it’s a potential diplomatic wrinkle.
Trump’s stance on India has always been a curious mix of admiration and antagonism. He famously called Prime Minister Modi a “great friend”, yet slapped tariffs on Indian goods and criticised the trade imbalance. With this latest comment, he continues his trend of walking the tightrope, applauding India in speeches while pushing America-first agendas that undercut its economic rise. The open admission of asking Apple not to manufacture in India, approving the IMF loan to Pakistan, and deporting Indians in huge numbers leaves a question about the stance of the US on India.
Whether Apple bends to Trump’s pressure or sticks to its global strategy remains a developing story.
Respected national president Shri @JPNadda ji called and asked me to delete the tweet I had posted regarding Trump asking Apple CEO Tim Cook not to manufacture in India.
— Kangana Ranaut (@KanganaTeam) May 15, 2025
I regret posting that very personal opinion of mine, as per instructions I immediately deleted it from…
