New Delhi, May 15 -- After US President Donald Trump on Thursday suggested that he had asked Apple boss Tim Cook to not manufacture in India, Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal said that companies will consider competitive advantages when shaping their manufacturing strategies, and India has emerged as a strong and competitive hub for smartphone production.

"Companies will see competitive advantage while deciding their manufacturing strategy. India has emerged as a competitive hub for smart phone manufacturing," he said.

"We don't comment on what the President (of another country) says," he added.

Recently, Apple took some steps to expand its iPhone production in India, setting up assembly plants operating in the country. Two of these p...