Apple presents blueprint to set up base in India

 Seeking to set up a manufacturing base in India, US-based iPhone maker Apple has made a detailed presentation to the government officials.

In a brief statement after the meeting, Apple said that it appreciates the constructive and open dialogue with the government about further expansion and local operations.

Among other things, Apple has been demanding relaxation in local outsourcing norms to start production in India.

Earlier, the government had relaxed norms on 30% mandatory production on Indian soil. It had also relaxed sourcing regime for another five years for entities undertaking single brand retail trading of products having ‘state-of-art’ and ‘cutting edge’ technology.

The California-based company had then pleaded to the government that it had cutting-edge technology and hence it should be given relaxation. The company enjoys similar relation in China.

Apple has been eyeing India, the fastest growing smartphone market in the world, ever since it saw sale dip in the US and China.

But the government has been reluctant in giving the company favours, which other smartphone makers do not enjoy on Indian soil.

Open mind

Information Technology Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad had recently said that India would consider with an “open mind” if Apple presented a structured request.

“We would very much like Apple to come and have a base in India. They have a base in China, and China is under stress. If a structured request comes from them, we will surely consider it with a open mind,” Prasad had said.