New York: Top Indian American leader Ajay Bhutoria has said that he is deeply concerned by President Donald Trump’s recent remarks urging Apple to reconsider its manufacturing expansion in India.
A former advisor to President Biden and Co-Chair of the Economic Subcommittee of the AANHPI Commission, Bhutoria said that the statement reflects a troubling prioritization of domestic interests over the broader strategic and economic benefits of strengthening US-India ties.
"India has emerged as a critical partner in the global economy, and its manufacturing sector is a cornerstone of its growth story. Apple’s decision to expand in India is not only a vote of confidence in India’s potential but also a strategic move to diversify supply chains and reduce reliance on China. President Trump’s opposition to this expansion undermines the very principles of economic partnership and mutual benefit that should define US-India relations," Bhutoria said in a statement.
He further highlighted how, during former President Joe Biden's administration, they worked tirelessly to foster deeper economic collaboration with India, recognizing its role as a key ally in the Indo-Pacific region. The Quad initiative, strengthened under President Biden, and initiatives like the CHIPS and Science Act were designed to enhance technological and economic ties, benefiting both nations.
"President Trump’s comments, however, suggest a retreat from this vision, focusing instead on short-term domestic gains at the expense of long-term global partnerships," he said, adding that the stance is inconsistent with the sentiments of the Indian-American community, many of whom supported President Trump with the expectation that he would strengthen US-India relations.
Bhutoria urged President Trump to reconsider his approach and recognize the strategic importance of India as a manufacturing hub and a partner in the global economy. "The United States benefits from a robust US-India relationship, and blocking American companies like Apple from investing in India is counterproductive to our shared goals of economic growth and geopolitical stability."
He added that the path forward lies in collaboration, not confrontation.
