In a recent business roundtable in Doha, U.S. President Donald Trump made a surprising call to Apple CEO Tim Cook, urging him to limit iPhone production in India. The comments were made during a session on May 15, 2025, where Trump also criticized India’s tariff policies.
“Don’t want you building in India,” Trump said, referring to the American tech giant’s expansion in the Indian market. The remarks came after Trump discussed India’s high tariffs on U.S. imports, highlighting them as a point of contention between the two nations.
Trump further claimed that India had offered to drop all tariffs on American goods, a gesture that he suggested would create a more favorable trade environment. However, the president expressed concerns over India’s current policies and its potential impact on American manufacturers.
The situation is complex, as Apple has been ramping up production in India as part of a broader strategy to diversify its manufacturing footprint. Tim Cook and his team have been working to strengthen Apple’s presence in India, leveraging the country’s growing consumer base and relatively lower labor costs. However, Trump’s remarks suggest that the U.S. government is scrutinizing such moves, especially in light of trade imbalances.
These developments are occurring at a time when U.S.-India relations are increasingly influenced by trade discussions, particularly in technology and manufacturing sectors. India, for its part, has also been striving to boost its “Make in India” initiative, which incentivizes foreign companies like Apple to manufacture within the country, albeit with the challenge of dealing with higher tariff rates.
The discussion about tariffs and manufacturing practices underscores ongoing tensions regarding trade policies between the U.S. and India. While India offers a significant market opportunity for American companies, the issue of high tariffs and regulatory barriers remains a key point of dispute.
As Trump continues to emphasize American manufacturing interests, the role of global tech companies like Apple and their operations in India will likely be at the forefront of future discussions between the two nations.