John Furner, chief executive of Walmart, met Narendra Modi during his first official visit to India and reaffirmed the retail giant’s commitment to expanding its operations in the country.
According to Walmart, the discussions focused on India’s strong economic growth, its increasing export potential, and the scope for attracting greater foreign investment. The meeting formed part of Furner’s three-day maiden visit to India, where he engaged with government leaders and business stakeholders.
Walmart entered India in 2018 through its acquisition of Flipkart
and has since significantly expanded its presence in e-commerce, digital payments, and supply-chain services. The company views India as one of the most important growth markets globally, driven by its large consumer base and rapidly evolving digital economy.
Furner noted that Walmart has sourced goods worth more than $40 billion from India and intends to further strengthen its partnerships with Indian entrepreneurs and suppliers. He said the company is working to enhance supplier capabilities, improve compliance and quality standards, and scale up manufacturing so that more Indian businesses are equipped to export to global markets.
The visit comes at a crucial moment for Walmart’s India investments, as both PhonePe
and Flipkart are preparing for initial public offerings in India. Walmart currently owns around 80 percent of Flipkart and more than 70 percent of PhonePe.
India has become a strategic sourcing and expansion hub for global retailers seeking to diversify supply chains and tap into one of the world’s fastest-growing major economies. Walmart’s latest engagement with the Indian government underscores the company’s long-term confidence in the country’s economic potential and its intention to deepen its footprint across commerce, payments, and exports.
