Apple can triple investments, exports from India in coming years: Rajeev Chandrasekhar

Speaking to Reuters news agency, the minister said, “I am confident that this Apple-India partnership has huge scope for investment, growth, exports and jobs – to double and triple in the years to come.”

Tim Cook Visiting India to open the company’s retail stores in the country. Apple has recently opened two official retail stores in the country. The first store is located in BKC, Mumbai, while the second store is in Delhi.

Cook also met Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit and said that Apple is “committed to grow and invest across the country”.

Cook’s visit received wide media coverage and he was feted like a Bollywood star, with some people trying to touch his feet in the traditional gesture of respect, while others asked for his autograph.

Apple is trying to make India a major manufacturing base to reduce its dependence on China. Its products, including the iPhone, are being assembled in India by Taiwanese contract electronics makers Foxconn and Wistron Corp.

Apple primarily assembles iPhones in India through contract manufacturers, but has plans to expand to iPads and AirPods.

Apple Saket, which was inaugurated today, has a barricade with a unique design that draws inspiration from several gates of Delhi. The store welcomes its customers using a uniquely designed curved storefront with white oak tables that showcase all of the company’s merchandise and products.

The store has a 70-member strong team, half of whom are women. The team consists of people coming from 18 different states of India who can speak more than 15 Indian languages.

Apple Saket offers services such as Genius Bar, dedicated pickup stations, and Apple Sessions today.

(with inputs from Reuters)