From time and again Apple has said that it sees huge potential in the Indian smartphone market, but its plans for the world’s second largest mobile population are being strongly opposed.

India's telecommunications ministry has reportedly turned down Apple's plan of selling refurbished iPhones in the country to boost its market share.

Apple sold 56 percent more iPhones in India over the last quarter and in a recent interview CEO Tim Cook said that the company sees huge potential in the country thanks to the advancement in network technologies.

However, India seems to have dashed the Cupertino, California giant's hopes of making it big in India by rejecting its latest business plan that might have helped it reach wider audience without sacrificing the top-tier pricing it commands in other markets, Engadget reports.

According to an unidentified official from the telecom ministry, Apple's proposal has met strong opposition from local manufacturers who have claimed that the plan would defeat the purpose of 'Make in India' program if the company is allowed to enter the market with cheap, recycled versions of older iPhones.

Meanwhile, company is also trying to enter the Indian market with its own retail stores.