After operating in India for more than three decades, Walmart is increasingly viewing the country not only as a key growth market but also as a model for the future of global retail, according to Walmart International President and CEO John Furner.
Speaking at the India Growth Summit during his first visit to the country, Furner highlighted India’s growing strategic importance for the US retail giant, particularly in sourcing, digital innovation and entrepreneur-led growth.
Walmart stated that it has cumulatively sourced goods worth more than US $40 billion from India across major categories, reinforcing the country’s position as one of the company’s most significant sourcing markets. The retailer had earlier committed to sourcing goods worth US $10 billion annually from India by 2027.
According to Furner, India’s strong entrepreneurial ecosystem, expanding digital infrastructure and rapidly growing small business sector are helping shape a retail environment that could influence Walmart’s global operations in the coming years. He said the company remained focused on expanding sourcing, exports and supplier-led growth from India.
The company added that it is continuing to strengthen supplier capabilities, improve compliance and quality standards, and support Indian manufacturers in scaling exports to international markets.
The remarks reflect Walmart’s growing confidence in its India operations and the broader ecosystem it has developed through businesses such as Flipkart, PhonePe and Myntra. Walmart has steadily expanded its presence in the country through digital commerce, payments, fashion retail and supply chain investments.
Furner said Walmart’s broader objective of helping consumers “save money and live better” was increasingly being realised in India through its multiple business verticals. He noted that Flipkart was expanding e-commerce access across the country, while PhonePe was contributing to financial inclusion at scale. Myntra, meanwhile, was strengthening Walmart’s position in fashion and digital consumer engagement.
Both Flipkart and PhonePe are currently preparing for initial public offerings, underlining the scale and maturity of Walmart’s India investments.
The company also indicated that it sees significant long-term growth opportunities as more Indian MSMEs integrate into global supply chains and as women-led and digital-first businesses continue to expand.
A major pillar of Walmart’s India strategy remains support for small businesses and entrepreneurs. Furner described MSMEs as central to India’s economic growth and future development.
Walmart stated that more than 115,000 entrepreneurs have been supported through its Walmart Vriddhi programme, which offers digital training, mentorship and access to Walmart and Flipkart marketplaces.
The company added that its partnerships with governments, trade organisations and non-governmental organisations remain important in strengthening the business ecosystem and supporting inclusive long-term growth in India.
