Apple CEO Tim Cook’s recent visit seems to have failed to charm the Indian authorities as the government has refused to relax the sourcing norms for Apple to set up independent stores in India, reports The Economic Times.
If the company wants to set a single brand retail store in India, 30 percent of the material should be Indian, according to sourcing rules.
Earlier, the industry department had recommended that an exception be made, and the norm be waived in the case of the California-based company.
Apple had applied for the relaxation under new foreign direct investment rules for companies bringing cutting-edge technologies in India.The government has set up a panel to look into the proposals that seek the relaxation.
Also Read: Apple’s Tim Cook Is in India and This Is How It Could Benefit Us
While the tough decision will make the production of Apple products in India difficult, refurbished phones may be another option for the tech giant.
Read all about the scope of refurbished iPhones in India on The Quint.
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