Apple’s Cook seeks PM’s support for retailing, other India plans

The CEO of Apple Inc, Tim Cook, called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi today to seek support for his retailing plans in India and possible manufacturing of Apple's niche products in India.

Cook, who shared Apple Inc's future plans for India, spoke of the possibilities of manufacturing and retailing in India. He appreciated the breadth of young talent in India, and said the youth have significant skills which Apple would like to tap.

He mentioned the immense potential for 'app-development' that exists in the country. He also elaborated on the Map Development Centre that Apple Inc is setting up in Hyderabad. He also appreciated the prime minister's initiatives in 'ease of doing business.'

The Apple chief also launched an updated version of the 'Narendra Modi Mobile App.'

Appreciating the prime minister's initiatives for renewable energy, Cook said, Apple is running on 93 per cent renewable energy, and spoke of plans to move Apple's entire supply chain to renewable energy.

Delegation members accompanying Cook also spoke of their experiences in rural Rajasthan, where several villages have recently been electrified, and women are being skilled to assemble and operate solar energy equipment. Both Cook and the Prime Minister shared some unique stories of entrepreneurship that they had come across in app-development and renewable energy.

The prime minister explained his Digital India initiative, and identified three key objectives of Digital India as e-education, health and increasing farmers' incomes. He sought support from Apple in furthering these objectives.

Issues regarding cyber-security and data encryption also came up for discussion. The prime minister encouraged Cook to help the global community to cope with the challenges of cyber-crime.