Apple CEO Tim Cook met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi today, a day before he is set to open the second Apple store in the country.
"Thank you Prime Minister Modi for the warm welcome. We share your vision of the positive impact technology can make on India’s future — from education and developers to manufacturing and the environment, we’re committed to growing and investing across the country," Cook tweeted after his meeting.
"An absolute delight to meet you, Tim Cook! Glad to exchange views on diverse topics and highlight the tech-powered transformations taking place in India," the PM tweeted in response.
The Apple Chief executive also reportedly met Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw today. Cook is set to welcome customers at the inauguration of the new Apple store in Saket's Select Citywalk Mall tomorrow.
During his trip, Cook repeatedly emphasised the importance of the world's second-largest smartphone market to the company and announced plans for Apple to expand its operations in India.
Apple currently has a minute share of the total Indian smartphone market, which is dominated by Chinese and South Korean manufacturers. However, as per Counterpoint data, Apple has captured the premium smartphone market in India, with 65 per cent of the devices sold in India priced above INR 30,000 being iPhones.
“India has such a beautiful culture and an incredible energy, and we’re excited to build on our long-standing history — supporting our customers, investing in local communities, and working together to build a better future with innovations that serve humanity,” he said.
At the inauguration of the Mumbai store, the Apple CEO greeted excited fans with folded hands and interacted with the people present. His exchange with a customer who brought an old 1984 Macintosh to the store has gone viral as well. He later autographed the device for the OG Apple fan.
Cook will most likely receive an enthusiastic reception at the second store launch in Saket tomorrow as well.
Apple had launched its first store in India at Mumbai's Jio World Drive Mall, Bandra Kurla Complex on Tuesday. The New Delhi store will supposedly be comparatively smaller than the one in Mumbai. The Apple BKC Store has about 22,000 square feet, while the Delhi store is spread over 10,000 square feet.