Government breaks silence on Chinese engineers leaving iPhone maker Foxconn's plant: 'Apple has alternatives and they should be…'

The government has shared its response on Chinese engineers reportedly leaving the biggest iPhone supplier, Foxconn’s plant in India. According to a report by the news agency PTI, the government has stated that it's monitoring production targets and believes Apple has alternatives to manage any related issues. This comes amid reports of hundreds of Chinese technology professionals returning to China. These professionals were reportedly facilitating and managing production at Foxconn plants in India. Their departure has led to speculation that it could affect the production of the upcoming iPhone 17 series. The report claims that government sources have noted that they are aware of the situation and have confidence in Apple's ability to navigate it.


What government sources said about Chinese Foxconn engineers leaving India

In a statement to PTI, a government source said: "Government is monitoring the situation. Apple has alternatives and they should be able to look at ways to handle this. Issue is primarily between Apple and Foxconn."

A large part of mobile phone manufacturing equipment is imported from China, and Chinese professionals have the expertise to operate it. The report cited sources to claim that the returning engineers had been managing assembly lines, factory design, and worker training for iPhone production. The government is closely monitoring production targets at Foxconn, which is also one of the key firms selected under the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, the report said, citing a source who wished to remain anonymous.

The report cited the source saying: “ Government facilitated visas for Chinese workers. Companies will have to make arrangements to ensure there is no disruption in the production.”


Apple boosts India iPhone production amid eased China sourcing

Apple suppliers in India, including Foxconn and Tata Electronics, are now experiencing fewer hurdles in sourcing critical components needed for iPhone manufacturing from China. Multiple sources indicate that Apple is planning to scale up iPhone production in India to around 60 million units this year, up from the 35–40 million produced during 2024–25.

Apple CEO Tim Cook recently stated during the company’s earnings call that all iPhones sold in the US during the June quarter would be shipped from India.

iPhones made in India are primarily assembled at Foxconn’s facility in Tamil Nadu. Tata Electronics, which manages Pegatron Corp’s India operations, is another major player. Both Tata and Foxconn are expanding by constructing new facilities and increasing production capacity to meet rising targets.

In the financial year ending March 31, 2025, Apple assembled 60% more iPhones in India, with output valued at an estimated $22 billion.