According to the dark satanic rumour mill that would make India the place where more than a quarter of global iPhone production takes place. China will remain the largest iPhone producer.

Apple has gradually boosted its reliance on India in recent years despite challenges including rickety infrastructure and labour rules that border on civilised. Unions retain clout and are pushing back on an effort by companies to get permission for 12-hour work days, which Apple suppliers find helpful during crunch periods.

Apple and its suppliers, led by Taiwan-based Foxconn Technology Group, generally believe the initial push into India has gone well and are laying the groundwork for a bigger expansion, say people involved in the supply chain.

Job's Mob is worried about overdependence on China to move parts of their supply chains elsewhere, most often to Southeast Asia and South Asia.

Diplomatic efforts by the US and its allies to block Beijing's access to advanced technology and strengthen ties with New Delhi have accelerated the trend.