Walmart’s Indian Bet: E-commerce and Sourcing Power Next Wave of Global Growth
CEO Doug McMillon emphasizes India’s rapid growth in digital commerce and its strong sourcing capabilities as key drivers of Walmart’s global growth strategy.
Summary
Walmart CEO Doug McMillon, along with the company’s global leadership team, considers India a key engine for propelling its international growth strategy. With e-commerce—especially quick commerce—surging, and India’s sourcing ecosystem maturing, Walmart is leveraging its Flipkart investment and local partnerships to tap into a market projected to reach a $1 trillion internet economy by 2030. This strategy is reshaping Walmart’s global business, driving innovation, and reinforcing India’s role as a cornerstone of the retail giant’s future.
Introduction
Walmart, the world’s largest retailer, is making bold moves in India. CEO Doug McMillon and his leadership team have consistently referred to India as one of the most dynamic and strategically important markets on the global stage. As the Indian e-commerce sector accelerates, with quick commerce and digital payments gaining momentum, Walmart is doubling down on its investments, partnerships, and sourcing initiatives to fuel both its domestic and international growth.
India: The Heart of Walmart’s International Strategy
India’s retail landscape is unique—a vast, diverse consumer base, rapidly growing internet penetration, and a thriving small business ecosystem. Walmart has recognized these dynamics, positioning India as a central pillar of its international strategy, alongside China and Mexico.
• Market Opportunity: India’s e-commerce industry is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) exceeding 10%, rising from $67 billion in 2025 to approximately $99 billion by 2029.
• Population Advantage: With 1.4 billion people, India offers unmatched scale for digital commerce.
• Low Online Penetration: Despite rapid growth, online retail penetration is still under 10%, leaving significant room for expansion.
Walmart’s $16 billion acquisition of Flipkart in 2018 was a transformative move that cemented its entry into India’s rapidly growing digital commerce space. Since then, it has steadily expanded its investments across e-commerce, integrated retail experiences, and advanced supply chain infrastructure.
Quick Commerce: The New Growth Frontier
One of the most transformative trends in Indian e-commerce is the rise of quick commerce—ultra-fast delivery of groceries and essentials, often within minutes. Kathryn McLay, Walmart’s international CEO, recently highlighted that quick commerce now accounts for nearly 20% of India’s e-commerce market and is expanding at a rapid pace of at 50% annually.
Flipkart’s Role: Flipkart, Walmart’s flagship Indian platform, is at the forefront of this quick commerce revolution, leveraging its logistics and technology to meet evolving consumer expectations.
• Strategic Bet: Walmart is prioritizing growth and market share in this segment, even if it means sacrificing short-term profitability—a clear signal of its long-term commitment to India.
Sourcing: India as a Global Supply Hub
Beyond online retail, Walmart is tapping into India’s manufacturing capabilities and vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem. The company has set ambitious targets to triple its exports of Made-in-India goods to $10 billion annually by 2027. This includes a focus on:
• Supporting MSMEs: Walmart supports initiatives aimed at micro, small, and medium enterprises, as well as artisans, farmers, and women-led businesses, enabling them to modernize operations and reach international markets.
• Building Supply Chains: The company is strengthening logistics and supply chain capabilities to support both domestic and international operations.
This dual approach—boosting local economic opportunity while integrating Indian suppliers into Walmart’s global ecosystem—creates shared value for Walmart, its partners, and the broader Indian economy.
Digital Transformation and Marketplace Momentum
Walmart’s digital transformation is not limited to India, but the country is a proving ground for its global e-commerce ambitions. As of mid-2025, Walmart Marketplace surpassed 200,000 active sellers, with record onboarding rates and a rapidly expanding product catalog. Flipkart’s innovations in mobile commerce, payments (via PhonePe), and logistics are setting new benchmarks for Walmart’s operations worldwide.
• Marketplace Model: Over 95% of Walmart’s online listings now come from third-party sellers, reflecting a shift from traditional retail to a platform-based approach.
• Innovation Transfer: Learnings from India’s digital leap are being adapted and applied to other Walmart markets, driving a new era of tech-enabled retail.
Conclusion
Walmart’s focus on India’s e-commerce and sourcing potential is reshaping its global business strategy. By investing in Flipkart, quick commerce, and local supply chains, Walmart is not only capturing a share of India’s booming digital economy but also creating a template for innovation and growth worldwide. As India’s internet economy races toward the $1 trillion mark, Walmart’s commitment to local partnerships and digital transformation ensures it will remain at the heart of this retail revolution.
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The image added is for representation purposes only
