Tim Cook meets with Indian PM Modi, talks manufacturing & app development possibilities

As part of his tour throughout India, Apple CEO Tim Cook met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi this past week to discuss the company’s plans in the country. This isn’t the first time the two have met, but this meeting comes as Foxconn is planning a manufacturing plant in India while Apple plans to open two new establishments, as well as three retail stores.

According to the Times of India, Cook and Modi discussed the “possibilities of manufacturing” in the country, as well as ways to best take advantage of the country’s app development potential. In an official statement, the Indian government stated that the two talked the potential for Apple to become a bigger player in India:

“Cook shared Apple Inc’s future plans for India. He 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,” an official statement said.

Modi believes that Cook’s recent time in India will help Apple in its business ventures in the country, saying that “seeing is believing.” In addition to discussing Apple’s future in the country, Modi took time to ask Cook to support his efforts in e-education, health, cyber security, and data encryption.

Cook also helped Modi launch an updated version of the “Narendra Modi Mobile App” on the App Store. The update focuses on offering a way for people to volunteer, with Modi explaining that the updated version adds a new “My Network” volunteering platform.

Cook and Modi both took to Twitter to thank each other for the meeting:

Thank you @tim_cook! Friends, welcome & happy volunteering. Your views & efforts are always enriching. pic.twitter.com/aAu4isv6wM

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 21, 2016

Thanks PM @narendramodi for a great meeting. Already looking forward to next visit to India. Best wishes on the app! https://t.co/ctXiKoCiS0

— Tim Cook (@tim_cook) May 21, 2016

When he wasn’t meeting with Modi, Cook took time to visit Apple’s limited retail presence in the country, but it didn’t go entirely smoothly. The Economic Times notes of Cook visiting a location at Galleria market in Gurgaon and raising concern over what he believed to be a “counterfeit accessory.”

When Tim Cook visited an Apple retail store on Friday at Galleria market in Gurgaon, he raised concern over a ‘counterfeit’ accessory. Officials of Apple India and functionaries at the retail store went into a tizzy as Cook demanded an explanation right on the spot.

To relief of the India team and the supplier, the accessory -a turquoise-coloured iPhone cover -was found to be original. Cook thought it’s fake as the colour and the different packaging is perhaps not sold in the US or some of the other markets.

Earlier this week, Apple announced an iOS App Design and Development Accelerator in Bengaluru, while it today revealed it would open a new development office in Hyderabad, creating up to 4,000 new jobs. Apple exec Lisa Jackson was also in India visiting The Barefoot College.

Cook also took a quick stop in Dubai to visit an Apple retail location:

A quick visit with customers and our fantastic team at the Apple Store, Mall of the Emirates. Thanks Dubai! pic.twitter.com/utFFVGyImr

— Tim Cook (@tim_cook) May 21, 2016

The Apple executive worldwide trip continues next with Amsterdam, where Cook will open the first Startup Fest Europe with a keynote.