Foxconn, the Taiwanese electronics giant and key Apple supplier, rapidly expands its iPhone manufacturing in India. Moreover, its new facility near Bengaluru in Devanahalli, Karnataka, hires over 30,000 workers in just eight to nine months. This achievement marks the fastest factory ramp-up in India’s history and ignites a lively political debate over credit.
Foxconn’s Massive Job Creation in Karnataka
Foxconn invests around Rs 20,000 crore in this 300-acre plant. Consequently, it creates 30,000 jobs quickly, with plans to reach 50,000 by 2026. Notably, women make up about 80% of the workforce, many aged 19-24 and entering their first job. Additionally, over 80% of production targets exports, integrating Karnataka deeply into Apple’s global supply chain.
This women-led unit produces models like the iPhone 17 Pro Max. Furthermore, it boosts India’s electronics manufacturing under the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme.
Rahul Gandhi Highlights Transformative Jobs
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi first spotlights this success. He shares a news report on social media and calls it “transformative job creation.” Moreover, he praises the Congress-ruled Karnataka government for building an ecosystem that enables rapid manufacturing growth.
“Karnataka sets an example by creating conditions for manufacturing to thrive at this scale and speed,” Gandhi states. He adds, “This is the India we must build: jobs with dignity and opportunities for all.”
Ashwini Vaishnaw Responds with Make in India Credit
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw quickly counters. He thanks Rahul Gandhi for “acknowledging the success of PM Narendra Modi’s Make in India programme.” Vaishnaw emphasizes that central policies, including PLI incentives and reforms, drive this shift toward India becoming a producer economy.
The BJP argues that national initiatives attract such investments. However, Karnataka ministers, like Priyank Kharge, stress the state’s proactive policies and infrastructure support.
