The government is considering certain concessions sought by consumer electronics and computer software major Apple to set up manufacturing unit in India, according to Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion Secretary, Ramesh Abhishek.
Mr. Abhishek said US-based electric car major Tesla will have to comply with local sourcing norms on single brand retail, but added that the company has not applied for concessions on cutting-edge technology. When queried about Apple's proposals, Mr. Abhishek told reporters: "They are asking for certain exemptions. The government is considering it. But there are 90 manufacturers who are already manufacturing here. So Make in India is going quite strong."
Mr. Abhishek He was attending the World Economic Forum's India Economic Summit.
Incidentally, the then Commerce and Industry Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had in July informed the Lok Sabha in a written reply that “the Government has received representations (from foreign companies to set up iPhone – by Apple -- and other manufacturing units) seeking concessions including 30% local sourcing of component, duty exemption on manufacturing and repair units, components, capital equipment and consumables for smart phone manufacturing and service/ repair.”
She, however, added that “the requests regarding rebate in customs duty on import of equipment were examined and the same were not accepted.”