Apple Inc. is accelerating its retail expansion in India, opening more physical stores and strengthening partnerships with local suppliers. The company’s push comes as India emerges as a critical market for growth and a key hub for manufacturing, particularly as Apple seeks to diversify away from China.

Strategic Importance of India

The move underscores Apple’s long-term strategy to capture India’s booming smartphone market, where premium device demand is on the rise. The company has already launched flagship outlets in Mumbai and Delhi, with plans for more stores in other metropolitan cities. Experts suggest that India could become one of Apple’s top global markets in the next decade.

Trade Tensions in the Background

However, Apple’s expansion coincides with growing strain between New Delhi and Washington over trade issues, including tariffs, digital taxes, and supply chain restrictions. While both governments continue to negotiate, the uncertainty around trade policies adds complexity to Apple’s India strategy.

Local Manufacturing Boost

Apple’s increased reliance on India also reflects its effort to strengthen local production. With key suppliers like Foxconn, Wistron, and Pegatron expanding their assembly operations in India, Apple has started exporting “Made in India” iPhones to global markets, further reducing its dependence on China.

Balancing Opportunities and Risks

Industry analysts believe Apple’s retail push is both a response to India’s fast-growing consumer base and a hedge against geopolitical risks. Despite trade tensions, India continues to attract global tech giants with its policy reforms and growing middle-class consumer base.