Government Responds to Chinese Engineers' Exit from Foxconn: ‘Apple Has Alternatives…’

The Indian government has made a statement after reports that a large group of Chinese engineers have left Foxconn's key iPhone manufacturing plant in India.

According to a report by news agency PTI, authorities said they are monitoring closely Apple's production targets but were confident that the technology giant was able to sustain any disruption in operations with alternative measures.

The news comes in the wake of increasing rumors about the return of a number of Chinese professionals who were key to managing different production aspects at Foxconn's Indian operations. Their abrupt return to China is said to be worrying amid fears of delay in producing the next iPhone 17 series.

A government official, in a conversation with PTI, said, "Government is keeping an eye on the situation. Apple has other options and they must be able to explore how to deal with this. Problem is largely between Apple and Foxconn."

Most of the advanced equipment employed in the process of assembling smartphones is imported from China, with skilled Chinese technicians frequently running and maintaining this equipment. The experts have been said to have been involved in vital functions of running assembly lines, factory planning, and training local employees.

The report, citing an anonymous official, said that Foxconn is one of the companies being monitored under India's Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme. The official further added, "Government facilitated visas for Chinese workers. Companies will have to make arrangements to ensure there is no disruption in the production."

In spite of these recent developments, Apple's Indian suppliers — Foxconn and Tata Electronics being the major ones — are said to be encountering fewer hurdles while procuring key components from China. According to industry sources, Apple is said to be increasing iPhone production in India to about 60 million units in 2025 from the estimated 35–40 million produced during 2024–25.

Adding to that optimism, Apple CEO Tim Cook recently announced on an earnings call that iPhones sold in the U.S. during the June quarter would all come from India — a very clear signal of the country's increasing significance within Apple's global supply chain.

Foxconn's lead assembly facility in Tamil Nadu remains the center of Apple's local production. Tata Electronics, which runs Pegatron Corp's Indian operations, is also expanding fast, with both firms investing in new infrastructure to support climbing demand.

During the financial year that ended March 31, 2025, Apple is said to have raised iPhone manufacturing in India by 60%, with overall production worth approximately $22 billion.

Moreover, Apple is also set to increase its country retail presence by opening additional Apple Stores prior to the end of the year.