The earlier story about Apple pushing for setting up its manufacturing facility in India is finally taking shape.
The PTI (Press Trust of India) reported today that a tentative meeting has been scheduled on Jan 25th between the Apple Team and the inter-ministerial group of the Indian government. The inter-ministerial group will consist of officials from the IT and Finance department.
The proposed high-level meeting is to discuss the plans that Apple has put forth for setting up manufacturing facility in India. In earlier reports, published by Reuters, Apple had requested certain incentives from the Indian govt.
Further reports from Reuters this week suggested that after the assessment of the requested tax incentives, Indian government might not provide any exceptions for Apple.
“Apple has sought tax concessions, including lower import and manufacturing duties, to make iPhones locally, according to a government official familiar with the situation.
Trade Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said if India were to agree to any concessions, they would likely apply to all smartphone manufacturers, and not just Apple.”
More details about Apple’s plan will probably be available after the conclusion of this high level meeting on Jan 25.
As iPhone sales have stalled in China over the last year, India is increasingly becoming a critical market for Apple to establish its brand. This is one of the largest markets where Apple still does not have any of its own flagship retail stores.