Apple CEO’s India visit: Tim Cook expected to meet PM Modi

Cook plans to visit India to launch its first company-owned store. His visit comes at a time when Apple is looking to expand its presence in India while reducing its dependence on China

NEW DELHI | Updated: 06 April, 2023 1:38 pm IST

Apple CEO Tim Cook

Apple CEO Tim Cook is expected to visit India in the coming weeks to launch the company’s first company-owned store in the country.

According to reports, Cook might also meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The two had previously met in 2016.

Cook is also expected to hold talks with key ministers to discuss important issues like manufacturing, expansion, and exports.

Reports suggest that Apple’s headquarters in California is currently finalizing Cook’s itinerary for his visit to India. The launch date of the Mumbai store will be determined accordingly.

The Mumbai store, located at the Jio World Drive Mall, has a unique facade inspired by the ‘kaali-peeli’ taxi art unique to the city.

Cook’s visit comes at a time when the tech giant is looking to expand its presence in the Indian market. The launch of the company-owned store is expected to boost Apple’s retail presence in the country, which so far has been limited to authorized resellers and franchise-owned stores.

With the aim of strengthening Apple’s presence in the region, Cook’s visit is expected to include meetings with government officials and business leaders.

Apple’s senior vice president of retail, Deirdre O’Brien, is also expected to accompany Cook on his visit to India. They are likely to explore opportunities to expand manufacturing in the region as Apple looks to reduce its dependence on China.

Cook has been a strong advocate for Apple’s presence in India, which is seen as a key growth market for the company. In recent years, Apple has been expanding its operations in the country, launching new products and services tailored to the local market.

During his last visit to the country, Cook also had the chance to meet Bollywood stars and top executives, attend a cricket match, and review Apple’s operations in India.