Apple CEO Tim Cook is likely to visit India in the coming week as the iPhone maker is launching its first official store in the country, reported the Economic Times. The report cited people aware of the development saying that Cook may also take advantage of the trip to hold talks with key ministers regarding strategic issues like manufacturing expansion and exports.
The country's first Apple Store will open at Jio World Drive Mall at Mumbai's Bandra Kurla Complex, and will be dubbed "Apple BKC". The Mumbai store sports a unique facade inspired by black-and-yellow taxi art unique to the city.
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According to the report, Apple's headquarters in Cupertino, California, is currently in the process of finalising Tim Cook's India itinerary, and the launch date of the Mumbai store will be determined accordingly.
During his trip to India, Cook may also meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whom he previously met in 2016, the report said. At the time Cook talked about the possibilities of manufacturing and retailing in India.
Cook also had the opportunity to meet Bollywood stars and top business leaders, watch a cricket match, and assess Apple's operations in India on his previous visit to India.
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The latest visit comes as Apple seeks to increase its market share in India. The opening of the company-owned store is anticipated to increase Apple's retail presence, which up until now had been restricted to franchise-owned stores and licensed resellers.
Cook has been a strong advocate for Apple's presence in India. In recent years, Apple has been expanding its operations in the country, launching new products and services tailored to the local market.