Indian govt says Apple to start making iPhones in Bengaluru

Tim Cook talks with talents at the new Mac Lab at GNITS women's college on May 19, 2016 during his first visit to the nation. [Photo/Cook's Twitter]

NEW DELHI -- Apple Inc would start making iPhones in India's southwestern state of Karnataka, local government said Friday.

The assembling of iPhones, according to officials, will start from April in the state's capital city, Bengaluru, Indian tech hub.

Karnataka's information technology minister Priyank Kharge told media that they have reached an agreement with Apple regarding the matter.

"Apple's intentions to manufacture in Bengaluru will foster cutting edge technology ecosystem and supply chain development in the state, which are critical for India to compete globally," a statement issued by Karnataka government said.

The US company will be operated by Wistron Corp.

Last month, Kharge and senior officials met Apple executives to discuss the matter. Prior to that, a series of meetings were held between representatives of Apple and India's federal government officials.

Apple Inc is yet to confirm the deal.

The US tech giant has no showrooms in India but sells its products through local distributors. In Indian market, Apple lags behind South Korean rival Samsung and China's Xiaomi, Oppo and Lenovo.

Officials in Karnataka believe that Apple's manufacturing in the state would enhance the technology hub image of Bengaluru.

Though Apple products are expensive, however, in India, buying iPhones and Apple laptops is perceived as a status symbol.