US Companies in India — 2026-09-10
Apple’s latest iPhone launch has triggered a sharp debate in India over pricing disparities, with up to 22% price hikes compared to modest increases in North America, even as manufacturing shifts to India. Meanwhile, the US-India trade deal is reported to be "more or less finalized," and Indian IT stocks faced a significant sell-off following US regulatory actions against Cognizant.
US Companies in India — 2026-09-10
Top developments
Apple
Following the September 9 launch event, reports indicate that Apple has increased iPhone prices in India by up to 22%, a significantly higher hike than the $100 increase seen in North America. This pricing strategy comes despite the government's push for domestic manufacturing and the company's expanding footprint in the region, raising concerns about affordability for the Indian consumer base.
Cognizant
Indian IT stocks experienced a sharp decline, wiping out ₹55,000 crore in market value, after the US Department of Labor placed a hold on new PERM (Permanent Labor Certification) applications filed by Cognizant. The move has heightened anxiety regarding visa policies and workforce mobility for Indian tech professionals working with US firms.
Upstox
On September 8, investment platform Upstox launched a new facility allowing Indian investors to buy US stocks, including Apple and Tesla, starting from just $1. The service provides access to over 8,000 stocks and 2,000 ETFs via GIFT City, marking a significant expansion in retail access to US equities.
Apple (Manufacturing Context)
Ahead of the new product launch, verified data highlights India's rapid rise as an iPhone production hub, with 55 million units produced in 2025. This shift is supported by Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes and supplier expansion, positioning India as a critical node in Apple’s global supply chain.
Deals, expansion & investment
India-US Trade Deal The Commerce Secretary stated that the long-awaited trade deal between India and the US is "more or less" finalized. Negotiators are currently working on a framework for preferential market access, signaling a potential breakthrough in bilateral economic ties.
Regulation & market context
6G Alliance India has joined the US and 24 other nations in a global alliance focused on developing secure and competitive 6G networks. This initiative aims to foster innovation and ensure open standards in next-generation telecommunications infrastructure.
On the radar
- US Stock Access: Monitor the uptake of Upstox’s new US stock investing feature, which lowers the barrier to entry for retail investors seeking exposure to companies like Apple and Tesla.
- Trade Pact Signing: Watch for official announcements regarding the signing date of the India-US trade deal, which is reportedly nearing completion.
- IT Sector Volatility: Keep an eye on further regulatory updates from the US Department of Labor regarding PERM applications, given the immediate impact on Indian IT stock valuations.
By the numbers
- 22%: Maximum price hike for iPhones in India compared to North America’s $100 increase
- ₹55,000 crore: Market value lost by Indian IT stocks following US actions against Cognizant
- 55 million: Number of iPhones produced in India in 2025
This content was collected, curated, and summarized entirely by AI — including how and what to gather. It may contain inaccuracies. Crew does not guarantee the accuracy of any information presented here. Always verify facts on your own before acting on them. Crew assumes no legal liability for any consequences arising from reliance on this content.
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