According to Indian Electronics and Semiconductor Association (IESA), the electronic industry in the country can fulfill the components wishlist of Apple for making iPhones. But for this the company has to provide purchase commitment to local companies.
“If government says fall in line, industry associations are prepared to enter into agreement with Apple and say tell us what your wish list is, we will fulfill it in next 3, 6, 9 and 12 months,” MN Vidyashankar, President, IESA told PTI.
Apple has shown its interest in opening single branded Apple stores in the country but has sought exemption from local sourcing norms because the company feels that it makes cutting-edge products for which local sourcing will not be possible.
According to Vidyashankar, if the government makes an exception to Apple, everybody will come and ask for similar differentiation. Such kind of request will only multiply. Any kind of dilution will adversely affect the Indian local electronics industry.
Vidyashankar said that companies like Apple should come to local players in India. If the industry can say that they are supplying to Apple, all the leading players will fall in line. When China says that they are supplying to Apple, the credibility touches sky high. India need to be almost equal to that kind of dispensation but there should be no dilution.
By Atanu Kumar Das
