Apple officials meet Suresh Prabhu

Apple has sought concessions including duty exemption on manufacturing and repair units, and components for a period of 15 years.

File photo: Suresh Prabhu

Senior officials of the US-based iPhone maker Apple today called upon the Commerce and Industry Minister Suresh Prabhu.

The meeting assumes significance as the technology giant is seeking concessions including duty exemptions to set up manufacturing unit in India.

“CIM @sureshpprabhu in meeting with Mr. Nick Amman, Director, Government Affairs and Ms. Priya Balasubramaniam, Global Vice President, Operations, Apple Inc,” a tweet posted by the commerce minister read.

When contacted, Apple India spokesperson declined to comment on the meeting.

The company has sought concessions including duty exemption on manufacturing and repair units, components, capital equipment and consumables for smartphone manufacturing and service/repair for a period of 15 years.

It also wants reduction in customs duties on completely- knocked-down and semi-knocked-down units of devices that are to be assembled in the country.

In March, the then Commerce and Industry Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had informed the Rajya Sabha that the government had not accepted most of Apple’s demands.