Trump urges Apple CEO Tim Cook not to expand production in India
Doha (Qatar): Former US President Donald Trump has claimed that he urged Apple CEO Tim Cook not to expand the tech giant’s manufacturing operations in India. Speaking at a business event in Doha, Trump said he had a conversation with Cook where he expressed displeasure over Apple’s reported plans to increase production in India.
“I had a little problem with Tim Cook yesterday,” Trump said, according to a Bloomberg report. “I said to him, my friend, I’m treating you very good. You’re coming up with $500 billion, but now I hear you’re building all over India. I don’t want you building in India.”
He went on to say that India is "one of the highest tariff nations in the world," making it hard to sell American products in the country. Trump claimed that although India has now offered the US a deal with “literally no tariffs,” he told Cook, “We’re not interested in you building in India. They can take care of themselves, they are doing very well.”
According to Trump, following his conversation with Cook, Apple is now planning to ramp up its manufacturing within the United States. However, he did not provide further details about any changes in Apple’s existing plans for India or specifics of the discussion’s outcome.
During the same speech, Trump claimed that India had offered to remove tariffs on US goods, stating, “They are willing to literally charge us no tariff.” He did not elaborate further or present any official confirmation of such a deal.
Trump’s remarks come amid continuing trade negotiations between India and the United States. According to Bloomberg, formal trade talks began after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the White House earlier this year. At the time, both nations had agreed to work towards completing the first phase of a trade agreement by autumn.
India’s Trade Minister is expected to visit the US between May 17 and 20 for further discussions with American officials. Despite recent tensions, including the US imposing higher duties on Indian steel and aluminium exports — and India threatening retaliatory tariffs — officials on both sides have indicated that dialogue remains active.
Indian officials, according to Bloomberg, are reportedly frustrated by some of Trump’s public statements, including his earlier announcement of a ceasefire between India and Pakistan and his suggestion that trade was used as a tool to influence that conflict. Indian officials have denied that any such linkage between trade and military matters was made during talks.
Apple has been gradually increasing its manufacturing presence in India over the past few years. The company produces several iPhone models in the country through contract manufacturers like Foxconn and Wistron. These steps are aligned with the Indian government’s push to attract foreign investments in electronics and reduce dependence on imports.
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Adequate LPG stock in Chhattisgarh, no need to panic, says CM Sai
Raipur (PTI): Amid reports of shortage of commercial LPG cylinder in several parts of the country due to the US-Israel-Iran conflict, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Tuesday assured people that they need not worry about the availability of cooking gas in the state.
He asserted that adequate stock of LPG as well as petrol and diesel was available in the state.
Sai said in a statement that authorities have been directed to regularly monitor stock at gas agencies and keep a close watch on the supply chain. Necessary instructions were issued to officials in all districts to ensure a smooth supply of LPG.
The chief minister instructed officials to take strict action if any complaint of black marketing or hoarding of LPG cylinders is received.
Sai urged state residents not to pay attention to rumours and to book cooking gas cylinders as per their actual requirement.
The government was fully alert to ensure the availability of essential commodities to citizens, he emphasised.
Meanwhile, the Chhattisgarh Hotel and Restaurant Association has issued an advisory to hotels, restaurants, caterers and other food businesses across the state, urging them to maintain calm and avoid panic buying.
In the advisory, Taranjeet Singh Hora, president of the association, asked members to maintain coordination and immediately inform it about any major disruption in LPG supply.
He cautioned businesses against hoarding cylinders, saying such practices could worsen the situation for the entire hospitality sector.
The association advised hotels and restaurants to prioritise essential kitchen operations, core menu items and already committed banquet events.
Use electric cooking equipment wherever possible for emergency and staff kitchens such as induction cooktops, electric hot plates, electric rice cookers and kettles, the advisory stated.
