India a Key Smartphone Hub, Says Govt, Dismissing Trump's Swipe

• Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal highlights India as a competitive global hub for smartphone manufacturing, unaffected by Trump’s advice to Apple.
• Apple’s significant investments in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka continue, with major contract manufacturers like Foxconn and Tata Group operating robust facilities.
• Despite political remarks, India-US trade talks are progressing well, focusing on job creation, supply chain resilience, and shared economic goals.

After US President Donald Trump stated that he had advised Apple CEO Tim Cook not to produce in India, commerce secretary Sunil Barthwal responded on Thursday by saying that companies will choose to produce based on where the advantage lays, and importantly, India, he noted, has now become a competitive global hub for smartphone production.

“Companies will see a competitive advantage while deciding their manufacturing strategy. India has emerged as a competitive hub for smartphone manufacturing,” Barthwal told reporters.

When asked directly about the US President's comments, Barthwal said, “We don't comment on what the President (of another country) says.”

The tech giant has already made huge investments in India's manufacturing ecosystem. Apple already assembles iPhones in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka and its contract manufacturers, including Foxconn and Tata Group, operate out of substantial production facilities.

Also Read: Apple Reaffirms India Ties Amid U.S. Objections

“Any statement that comes from the head of a government elsewhere, I think it has been appropriately replied to at the level of the external affairs minister. So, I would not like to comment any further,” the commerce secretary said.

Earlier, external affairs minister S Jaishankar addressed the President’s remarks, stated, “Trade is going on between India and the US. These are complicated negotiations and no final agreement has been reached yet.”

Trade talks 'progressing well' Despite the political noise, Barthwal indicated that bilateral trade negotiations with the United States are progressing in the right direction. “The talks are progressing very well, and a team is set to go to the US to conduct further discussions with them,” he said.

Trump had indicated on April 23 that both countries had established the terms of reference for the trade negotiations. “Both governments are working on a trade agreement built on shared priorities, including creating new jobs, building durable supply chains, and achieving prosperity for workers,” he said.