India is emerging as model for global retail, says Walmart CEO John Furner as sourcing crosses $40 billion

After more than three decades in India, Walmart is now looking at the country not just as a major growth market but as a blueprint for the future of retail itself, according to Walmart's new CEO John Furner.

Walmart has sourced cumulatively over $40 billion worth of goods from India across key categories, underlining the country’s growing importance as a manufacturing and sourcing base. “India is already one of our most important sourcing markets, with over $40 billion sourced across key categories,” Furner said speaking at the India Growth Summit. Furner, on his maiden trip to India, said India’s mix of entrepreneurship, digital innovation, sourcing strength and fast-growing small businesses is creating a retail ecosystem that could shape Walmart’s future globally.

“When we look ahead, we see India not just as a growth market, but as a model for the future of retail,” Furner said.

The remarks signal Walmart’s growing confidence in its India operations and the wider ecosystem it has built through Flipkart , PhonePe , Myntra , sourcing partnerships and technology capabilities. Walmart has been present in India for more than 30 years and has steadily expanded its footprint through both commerce and digital platforms.

Furner said the company’s purpose of helping people “save money and live better” is increasingly being realised in India through multiple businesses operating across commerce, payments, fashion and supply chains.

“Flipkart is enabling eCommerce access across the country. PhonePe is driving financial inclusion at scale. Myntra is leading in fashion and digital engagement,” he added.

In India, both of Walmart’s key investments, Flipkart and PhonePe, are preparing for IPOs.

The company expects that opportunity to expand further as more Indian MSMEs integrate into global supply chains and as more women-led and digital-first businesses scale operations.

A major focus of Walmart’s India strategy continues to be small businesses and entrepreneurs. Furner described micro, small and medium enterprises as the “backbone of India’s economy” and central to future growth.

Walmart said it has supported more than 115,000 entrepreneurs through its Walmart Vriddhi programme, which provides digital training, mentorship and access to Walmart and Flipkart marketplaces.

“But more importantly, we’re helping unlock opportunity, helping businesses scale, compete, and reach customers far beyond their local markets,” Furner said.

The India Growth Summit, according to Furner, is intended to deepen those linkages by helping businesses connect with marketplaces, access new tools and build scale. He also stressed the importance of partnerships with governments, trade organisations and non-governmental organisations in building long-term growth.

“We’re proud to work with government leaders, trade organizations, and NGOs to strengthen the ecosystem and support long-term, inclusive growth,” he said.

Furner closed his address by reiterating Walmart’s long-term commitment to India and its entrepreneurs.

“We are deeply committed to India. We believe in the entrepreneurs in this room. We believe in the partnerships we’re building. And we believe the best is still ahead,” he said. “Because when Indian businesses grow, Walmart grows, and customers around the world benefit.”