The Tata Group is embarking on a significant venture to produce Apple iPhones in India for both the domestic and global markets, and this ambitious plan is expected to become a reality within approximately two and a half years.
Tata To Manufacture Apple iPhones in Karnataka
Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar made this announcement, highlighting the Indian government’s strong support for global brands seeking to establish manufacturing and talent partnerships within India.
This groundbreaking move by the Tata Group will see the manufacturing of premium Apple iPhones following its acquisition of the Wistron factory in Karnataka.
As a result, the Tata Group is poised to become the first Indian company to manufacture iPhones, marking a pivotal moment in India’s technology and manufacturing landscape.
The transfer of ownership of the Wistron InfoComm India subsidiary to Tata Electronics Private Limited, a deal tentatively valued at $125 million, was a crucial step in this transformative process.
Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar expressed his appreciation to Wistron for its contributions and extended his congratulations to Apple for taking the initiative to create a global supply chain in India, with Indian companies playing a central role.
Chandrasekhar also lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his efforts in positioning India as a trusted and influential hub for smartphone manufacturing and exports, highlighting the country’s pivotal role in the global technology and manufacturing landscape.
Apple’s Decision To Diversify Supply Chain Influenced By Geopolitical Tensions Between US and China
This development represents a significant departure from Apple’s previous strategy, which heavily relied on selling devices primarily manufactured in China. The decision to diversify its supply chain is driven by the growing geopolitical tensions between the United States and China.
Apple’s CEO, Tim Cook, following a meeting with India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expressed his belief in the enormous potential of the Indian market. In a strategic move, Apple’s hardware manufacturing partner, Foxconn, a Taiwanese company, has already commenced the production of the iPhone 15 at its facility in Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu.
This signifies Apple’s commitment to closing the gap between its operations in India and its primary manufacturing base in China, further solidifying India’s role in the global technology industry.
