Foxconn recalls Chinese staff from India iPhone plants in a setback for Apple
Apple’s plans to boost iPhone production in India have suffered a setback. Foxconn, the company that assembles iPhones, has recalled hundreds of Chinese engineers and technicians from its factories in southern India.
According to people familiar with the matter, over 300 Chinese workers have already flown back, and only a few Taiwanese support staff remain on site. The withdrawal reportedly began around two months ago and has gathered pace recently.
This development comes at a time when Apple is trying to reduce its reliance on China by expanding manufacturing in countries like India and Vietnam. However, the sudden removal of key staff could affect production schedules and disrupt operations.
The reasons behind the move have not been officially confirmed. But analysts suggest it could be linked to rising geopolitical tensions between China and India, or internal shifts in Foxconn’s workforce planning. Either way, the impact on Apple’s "Make in India” ambitions is significant.
Foxconn and Apple have not made public statements on the issue. It remains unclear whether the Chinese engineers will return or be replaced with locally trained staff in the near future.