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Chinese social media closely monitors Apple CEO Tim Cook’s trip to India amid concerns over supply chain shift to South Asian nation
- On China’s social media, the Apple Store opening in Mumbai stirred memories of the time when the US tech giant launched its first mainland China shop
- Apple’s retail expansion in India reflects its growing confidence in the country as a major sales market and new manufacturing hub
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Apple chief executive Tim Cook’s first trip to India in seven years, following his visit to Beijing and Shanghai last month, is being closely monitored on China’s social media amid growing concerns about the US technology giant shifting its manufacturing supply chain to the South Asian nation.
Cook on Tuesday led the opening of Apple’s first retail store in India, in the financial capital of Mumbai, as the company prepares to inaugurate another store in the nation’s capital New Delhi on Thursday. This development marked a milestone for Apple’s presence in India, which is expected to surpass China’s population at some point later this year.
On China’s social media, the new Apple Store launch in Mumbai stirred memories of the time in 2008 when the iPhone maker opened its first mainland China store at Sanlitun in Beijing. At present, there are 45 Apple retail locations across the mainland.
“Cook showing up [at the new store] means he is giving priority [to the Indian market],” wrote Weibo user Tuzhi on the Chinese microblogging platform on Wednesday.
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Apple opens its first retail store in India
Apple opens its first retail store in India
Following meetings with local tycoons, including Reliance Industries chairman Mukesh Ambani and Tata Group chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran, Cook is also expected to meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi this week.
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