A recent meeting between Apple CEO Tim Cook and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, resulted in an invitation for Apple to start manufacturing iPhones in the country. Ministry of external affairs spokesman Vikas Swarup said that Apple’s top executive “responded positively” to the suggestion that Apple take advantage of the “opportunities India offered.” Swarup also pointed out that Foxconn, the contract manufacturer used the most by Apple to assemble the iPhone, has already decided to build a factory in the country.

Also discussed was mobile payment service Apple Pay, and the possibility that it could be tied in with the Prime Minister’s initiatives for the Indian public to be offered more extensive financial services. Currently, Apple Pay is available in the U.S. and U.K. with speculation that the service will soon be offered in Canada and China. Apple would probably like to see iPhone sales increase in India markedly before launching Apple Pay in the country. There are no Apple Stores in India, although there are 4000 locations where the iPhone can be purchased. As we told you earlier today, the Apple iPhone 6s and Apple iPhone 6s Plus will launch in India on October 16th.

Cook mentioned that Apple was interested in Modi’s programs that would allow Indian consumers to access government services online, expand high-speed internet service into rural areas of the country, and teach Indians how to use digital technology. He also mentioned that the India has a special place in the heart of Apple employees since Steve Jobs had visited the region as as young man, and the trip helped inspire him to launch Apple.

source: TimesofIndia via AppleInsider