Apple CEO Tim Cook on Tuesday opened the first Apple Store in India at Mumbai’s Jio World Drive mall in the Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC).

Thousands of Apple and tech fans attended the opening ceremony while Apple CEO Tim Cook welcomed them at the entrance and also took pictures with the tech enthusiasts.

“India has such a beautiful culture and an incredible energy, and we’re excited to build on our long-standing history,” Cook said in a statement earlier.

Long ques of people from not just Mumbai but Pune, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, and other cities were seen at the venue some of which had even arrived at the venue as early as 8 am, almost three hours before the doors were officially opened.

Apple is aiming to boost its sales and manufacturing of iPhones in India and also compete with dominant market like Samsung, Xiaomi.

"Apple’s first retail location in India will serve as a dynamic space where customers can come together, explore Apple products and services, enjoy exceptional service, and learn how to get more out of their devices through free Today at Apple sessions," said a statement by Apple.

Apple BKC is offering a special Today at Apple series, “Mumbai Rising,” running from today, Tuesday, April 18 i.e., from the opening day of the store through the summer. These free sessions bring visitors, local artists, and creatives together and will feature Apple products and services to offer hands-on activities that celebrate the local community and culture.

The store is spread over 20,000 square feet over two floors in the Jio World Drive mall, which also houses brands like Diesel, Michael Kors, Kate Spade and Swarovski.

Reportedly, Apple has leased out the space in the mall for a 11 year contract, and has been successful in negotiating for barring 22 competing brands, including Amazon, Facebook, Google LG, Microsoft, Sony and others, from occupying space or advertising in close vicinity. The Cupertino-based company will be paying ?42 lakh per month as a rental for the store, and will also share a part of the revenues with the space owner.

Customers from around the world are welcomed to the store, helping them learn about Apple products and offering advice on the best options to suit customers’ needs, as well as the Apple Trade In program. It also features more than 100 team members who collectively speak over 20 languages.

Apple BKC is designed to be one of the most energy-efficient Apple Store locations in the world, with a dedicated solar array and zero reliance on fossil fuels for store operations. The store is operationally carbon neutral, running on 100 percent renewable energy.

A second store will open on Thursday, April 20 in the national capital, New Delhi.