India eyes global tech giants: MacBooks, iPads next?

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has suggested that Apple might broaden its manufacturing operations in India beyond iPhones, potentially including MacBooks and iPads. This announcement coincides with the launch of India's Mobile Phone Manufacturing Scheme (MPMS), a Rs 62,500-crore initiative set to run from FY2026-27 to FY2030-31. The scheme aims to elevate India's electronics sector from mere assembly to robust design and research capabilities.

Central to the MPMS is fostering Indian brands and deepening the domestic supply chain. The government has identified three prospective Indian smartphone companies expected to emerge within 10-14 months. These companies are tasked with developing superior designs to compete on a global scale. To qualify as an Indian brand, companies must be India-incorporated, hold IP and trademarks locally, have Indian citizen control and shareholding, and maintain in-house R&D and design facilities.