NEW DELHI: The Indian government has addressed reports about the departure of several Chinese engineers from Foxconn’s manufacturing facility in Tamil Nadu, the primary site for iPhone assembly in India. Responding to speculation that the move could impact the production of Apple’s upcoming iPhone 17 series, government officials said the situation is being closely monitored and expressed confidence in Apple’s ability to manage any disruption.
According to a PTI report, hundreds of Chinese professionals—who had been overseeing critical operations such as assembly lines, equipment management, and worker training—have returned to China in recent weeks. These engineers played a key role in facilitating production processes, especially given that much of the manufacturing equipment used at the plant is sourced from China and requires specialized handling.
“The government is monitoring the situation. Apple has alternatives and should be able to find ways to manage this. The issue is primarily between Apple and Foxconn,” a senior government official told PTI on condition of anonymity.
The official also noted that while the government had helped facilitate visas for the Chinese engineers, companies are responsible for ensuring that operations continue smoothly. “Companies will have to make arrangements to ensure there is no disruption in production,” the official added.
Foxconn, Apple’s largest supplier, is a key participant in India’s Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, which aims to boost domestic electronics manufacturing. The government is keeping a close watch on production targets under this program.
Apple’s Production Expansion in India
Despite concerns over the exit of Chinese personnel, Apple’s manufacturing footprint in India continues to grow rapidly. Sources say the tech giant plans to ramp up iPhone production in India to nearly 60 million units in 2025—up from 35–40 million units the previous year.
This expansion comes as Apple faces fewer barriers in sourcing key components from China, even as it diversifies its global supply chain. Apple CEO Tim Cook recently announced during an earnings call that all iPhones sold in the U.S. during the June quarter would be shipped from India—an important milestone in the company’s “China+1” strategy.
Currently, iPhones made in India are primarily assembled at Foxconn’s Sriperumbudur plant in Tamil Nadu. Tata Electronics, which manages Pegatron’s operations in India, is another major Apple supplier. Both companies are in the process of building new facilities and scaling up production to meet rising global demand.
In the financial year ending March 31, 2025, Apple reportedly increased its India-based iPhone production by 60%, with output valued at approximately $22 billion.
