Apple CEO meets PM, launches updated Modi app

Apple CEO Tim Cook and Prime Minister Narendra Modi
On his maiden trip to India as Apple CEO Tim Cook on Saturday met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and launched an updated version of the Narendra Modi Mobile App.

“Thank you @tim_cook! Friends, welcome and happy volunteering. Your views and efforts are always enriching,” Modi tweeted.

Cook replied: “Thanks PM @narendramodi for a great meeting. Already looking forward to next visit to India. Best wishes on the app!”

The updated version contains a new volunteering network on the app.

“I am delighted to share that Mr Tim Cook launched an updated version of the Narendra Modi Mobile App. Thank you, Mr. Cook,” said Modi in his tweet.

Tim Cook shared Apple Inc.’s future plans for India. He spoke of the possibilities of manufacturing and retailing in India. He appreciated the breadth of young talent in India, and said the youth have significant skills which Apple would like to tap.

He mentioned the immense potential for app-development that exists in the country. He elaborated on the Map Development Centre that Apple is setting up in Hyderabad. He appreciated the Prime Minister’s initiatives in ease of doing business.

Tim Cook also appreciated the Prime Minister’s initiatives for renewable energy. He said Apple runs on 93 percent renewable energy, and spoke of plans to move Apple’s entire supply chain to renewable energy.

Delegation members accompanying Tim Cook also spoke of their experiences in rural Rajasthan, where several villages have recently been electrified, and women are being skilled to assemble and operate solar energy equipment. Both Tim Cook and the Prime Minister shared some unique stories of entrepreneurship that they had come across in app-development and renewable energy.

The Prime Minister explained his Digital India initiative, and identified three key objectives of Digital India as e-education, health and increasing farmers’ incomes. He sought support from Apple in furthering these objectives.

The Prime Minister encouraged Tim Cook to help the global community to cope with the challenges of cyber-crime.