Tim Cook in India: selfies, Bollywood, and non answers

Apple CEO Tim Cook is on the last leg of his India journey and tech lovers in the country are a bit flabbergasted, thanks to his Page 3 style trip schedule.

When the top executive of one of the world’s biggest and most powerful tech companies visits a potential market, what do you expect to be on his agenda?

A few high-power meetings with potential business partners, some wooing of the government, announcements related to the company and its expansion, and in most cases, a media meet to satisfy local journos.

Photo credit: iphonedigital.

In the case of Apple, which has just seen a petition to sell refurbished phones in the country knocked down, and has been trying to open its own stores in a fast-becoming-important market, one might even expect some updates on those business fronts.

Instead, Tim Cook’s schedule was unusually heavy on attending socialite dinners, cricket matches, and more. Whether or not he makes it to a meeting with PM Modi, is yet to be seen. Multiple sources told Tech in Asia that a meeting has been sought, but might not fructify. Apple did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment.

Much like a rockstar, “I’m here to learn,” was all he apparently managed to say to journalists in Mumbai, as per a Bloomberg report.

Sure, Cook announced an accelerator program for the country, opened a new development center like we reported, and met a few eminent industrialists. In an interview, he even said Apple plans to bring Apple Pay to India, but did not set a timeline.

Lots of talent and enthusiasm at the new Mac Lab at GNITS women’s college. Enjoyed visiting you yesterday! pic.twitter.com/ZqCnVkBpii

— Tim Cook (@tim_cook) May 20, 2016