As Apple ramps up iPhone production in India under the ‘Make in India’ initiative, the recall of Chinese engineers from Foxconn marks rising complexities in global supply chains. This move spotlights India’s growing role in global manufacturing while drawing attention to China’s quietly persistent industrial policy — Made in China 2025.
Launched in 2015, Made in China 2025 aims to transform China into a tech-driven manufacturing powerhouse across sectors like AI, EVs, and biotechnology. While the policy is now publicly downplayed due to international backlash, it has helped China lead in EVs, solar, and high-speed rail, though it still struggles with semiconductors.
India, with a strong services sector but a weaker manufacturing base, faces infrastructure and skill-related hurdles. However, Apple’s shift signals growing trust in India’s industrial ecosystem. The country can draw lessons from China’s integrated approach, balancing manufacturing growth with innovation, R&D, and workforce development.
