Karnataka's Industries and Infrastructure Minister is keen on getting Apple to 'make in Bengaluru'

Karnataka seems understandably keen on getting Apple to start manufacturing in Bengaluru. A recent report states that Karnataka’s Industries Minister has urged the Government of India to support Apple in its plans.

Addressing the delegates at the Make in India conference in Bengaluru, Karnataka’s Industries and Infrastructure Minister RV Deshpande welcomed Apple to Make in India. He also requested the Government to “provide all assistance to them”, reports The Economic Times.

Apple, in partnership with Wistron Corporation, a Taiwanese ODM (original design manufacturer) intends to start assembling iPhones in India in the Peenya district in Bengaluru. This is expected to be a pilot project as Apple assesses the feasibility of manufacturing in India.

The “assistance” that Deshpande is referring to relates to Apple’s long list of demands before manufacturing in India. This includes 15 years of tax concessions, streamlined customs processes and more. The government already grants a great deal of concessions under the Make in India program and other manufacturers, including Samsung, Oppo and Xiaomi, have complied with the requests.

Apple is asking for an exception to be made in its case, though it’s not entirely clear how much of a benefit it’ll have for the country. Particularly because other companies are likely to demand the same exceptions.