India an important part of Walmart's story: CEO Doug McMillon

IANS June 24, 2025 282 views

Walmart CEO Doug McMillon emphasized India’s pivotal role in the company’s global strategy, citing partnerships with Flipkart and PhonePe. The retail giant is boosting MSMEs, digital payments, and exports while adapting Indian innovations worldwide. Kath McLay highlighted transformative local solutions shaping Walmart’s international approach. Over two decades, Walmart has expanded in India across eCommerce, sourcing, and financial inclusion.

"India reflects Walmart’s commitment to creating shared value, shaping a more inclusive future" – Doug McMillon
New Delhi, June 24: India is an important part of Walmart’s story and over the past two decades, we’ve strengthened and expanded our partnerships in the country to empower people and help local businesses grow, said Doug McMillon, president and CEO of Walmart Inc, on Tuesday.

Key Points

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Walmart drives MSME growth and exports in India

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Flipkart and PhonePe boost digital commerce

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Local innovations shape global retail strategies

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20-year India focus spans sourcing to fintech

Through various programmes and initiatives in India, Walmart is driving inclusive growth and creative value for customers, partners and communities, including enabling MSMEs, accelerating exports, expanding access to digital payments and financial services, and supporting local innovation in eCommerce and technology.

“Our teams are pioneering customer solutions that are transforming retail experiences here and around the world. India also reflects Walmart’s commitment to creating shared value, and we are proud to work with partners to shape a more inclusive and resilient future,” McMillon said at an event here.

The highlight of the event was a curated exhibit that featured entrepreneurs, MSMEs and partners from programs and initiatives.

Kath McLay, president and CEO, Walmart International, also highlighted the transformative impact of local innovations and partnerships.

“We are building long-term partnerships in one of the most exciting and transformative markets in the world. Flipkart Group and PhonePe are designing and implementing solutions for the unique needs of Indian consumers, across eCommerce, payments, supply chain and more,” McLay added.

These solutions drive access and growth across India’s diverse communities, while helping to shape Walmart’s approach to building scalable, locally relevant models in other markets around the world.

“From enabling MSMEs and accelerating exports, to elevating the customer experience, we remain deeply committed to growing with India. In the coming years, we hope to create long-term value for even more customers, partners and communities,” said McLay.

Over the past 20 years, Walmart has built a comprehensive and growing presence in India, spanning digital commerce, global sourcing, technology, financial inclusion and community development.

The company has contributed to job creation, while also enabling market access for businesses through the various entities operating in India and across its borders.

Reader Comments

Here are 6 diverse Indian perspective comments for the Walmart article:
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Rahul K.
Good to see Walmart investing in Indian MSMEs and digital payments. Their partnership with Flipkart has definitely improved eCommerce options for small towns. But hope they maintain fair competition - we've seen how foreign giants can sometimes squeeze local businesses.
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Priya M.
As a small business owner who supplies to Flipkart, I can say Walmart's initiatives have helped us reach customers across India 🇮🇳 Their export programs are especially valuable. More power to such collaborations that benefit both global companies and local entrepreneurs!
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Arjun S.
While the job creation is welcome, we must ensure Walmart doesn't follow the same path as in other countries where they destroyed local retail ecosystems. The government should monitor their impact on kirana stores closely.
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Sneha R.
PhonePe has been a game-changer for my family's small shop in Jaipur! Digital payments made everything so much easier. If Walmart can bring more such innovations while supporting Indian talent, it's a win-win situation 👍
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Vikram J.
Interesting how solutions developed for India (like UPI payments) are now shaping Walmart's global strategy. Shows our market's potential! But hope they're paying fair taxes here - foreign companies often find loopholes.
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Neeta P.
The focus on MSMEs is commendable, but I wish they'd share more concrete numbers - how many jobs created? What percentage of sellers are actually benefiting? Corporate announcements often sound good but lack transparency on ground impact.

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Tags:
Walmart India Doug McMillon Flipkart PhonePe MSME growth eCommerce retail innovation