India wants Apple to pledge job creation before allowing tax breaks

The Indian government wants California-based Apple Inc. to commit to investing in India and creating jobs before even considering its plea for tax concessions.

As reported earlier, Apple is seeking concessions for manufacturing iPhones in India.

The Indian government has asked the iPhone maker to inform in detail about the money that it plans to invest in India and the probable number of jobs it will create, told people aware of the development requesting anonymity.

Apple has already begun the initial production of 4-inch iPhone SEs last month at its Bengaluru plant.

It’s been a part of the Modi government’s 'Make in India' programme to urge foreign investors to make their products in India, so that the share of domestic manufacturing in the $2 trillion economy can be increased, while also creating more and more jobs.

It was only last year that Apple had sought several incentives, including lower duties for importing components and equipment for a period of 15 years. However, the demands were not met by the finance ministry.