Apple chief executive officer Tim Cook met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday and discussed sensitive issues relating to cybersecurity, data encryption, the possibility of manufacturing in the country and tapping India’s young talent.
“Mr. Cook shared Apple Inc.’s future plans for India. He spoke of the possibilities of manufacturing and retailing in India,” said a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office. The Apple CEO appreciated the breadth of young talent in India with significant skills that Apple would like to tap, it said.
He highlighted the immense potential for ‘app-development’ in the country, according to the statement.
During his maiden visit to India, Mr. Cook announced the setting up of an app development centre in Bengaluru and another one in Hyderabad for maps.
The PMO said Mr. Cook appreciated Mr. Modi’s initiatives on “ease of doing business” and renewable energy. Apple runs on 93 per cent renewable energy and plans to move its entire supply chain to renewable energy.
The Apple CEO narrated to the Prime Minister his experiences, including a visit to the Siddhivinayak temple in Mumbai and watching a cricket match in Kanpur. Appreciating Mr. Cook, Mr. Modi said in India “seeing is believing”, and added that these experiences would definitely steer his business decisions.
After the meeting, Mr. Modi tweeted: “Thank you @tim_cook! Friends, welcome & happy volunteering. Your views and efforts are always enriching.”
In response, Mr. Cook tweeted: “Thanks PM @narendramodi for a great meeting. Already looking forward to next visit to India. Best wishes on the app!”
Mr. Cook unveiled an updated version of the PM’s mobile app that includes a new volunteering network. “I urge you to have a look at the new feature ‘My Network’ that empowers you to contribute on lively and enriching forums, where you can share your ideas and deliberate with others. You will also enjoy the daily tasks on the App,” Mr. Modi tweeted.
During his trip, which ended on Saturday, Mr. Cook met leaders from India Inc. including Bharti Airtel’s Sunil Bharti Mittal, Vodafone India CEO Sunil Sood, ICICI Bank’s Chanda Kochhar and Tata Group chairman Cyrus Mistry.