Govt has not accepted demands of Apple, says MoS Sitharaman

New Delhi, March 22

The government today said it has not accepted ‘most of the demands’ of iPhone maker Apple which wants to set up manufacturing unit in India.

To a question in Rajya Sabha on whether the government has accepted most of the demands of the iPhone manufacturer, Commerce and Industry Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said: “No”.

Apple India has sought concessions, including duty exemption on manufacturing and repair units, components, capital equipment and consumables for smartphone manufacturing and service/repair for a period of 15 years, she said in a written reply.

Apple also wants relaxation in the mandated 30% local sourcing of components.

It also wants reduction in customs duties on completely-knocked-down and semi-knocked-down units of devices that are to be assembled in the country.

In January, Apple had indicated to the government that it is ready with a blueprint to begin manufacturing iPhones in India, but wants fiscal concessions. — PTI