Walmart Inc. President and CEO Doug McMillon has reaffirmed the company’s commitment to local sourcing, job creation, and policy compliance, while emphasizing the need for a level playing field and consistent regulations in every market it operates in — including India.
Speaking to media, McMillon noted, “We operate in many countries, and we consistently ask for a level playing field everywhere. We engage with various governments, sharing our views, but we don’t set the rules—we comply with them.”
India Sourcing Goals on Track
McMillon highlighted that Walmart is on track to source $10 billion worth of goods annually from India by 2027, covering a wide range of product categories. Once this milestone is achieved, the company plans to announce its next set of sourcing targets for India.
“We like to buy locally, create jobs, and benefit from shorter lead times — especially for food and consumables,” McMillon said, adding that local sourcing remains a strategic priority across Walmart’s global operations.
Clarity on E-Commerce Policy Key
On the regulatory environment in India, where foreign-owned e-commerce firms like Flipkart and Amazon are barred from holding inventory or selling directly to consumers, McMillon said, “The more things are transparent and consistent, the better it is for business, whether in India or globally.”
When asked whether Flipkart should be allowed to hold inventory, he responded, “We have expertise in inventory management and would be happy if the rules allowed it, but we leave rule-making to others.”
Not Involved in U.S.–India BTA Talks
McMillon clarified that Walmart is not directly participating in the ongoing bilateral trade agreement (BTA) discussions between the U.S. and India. Media reports suggest the Trump administration is pushing for wider access for American e-commerce firms to India’s $125 billion digital retail market, with negotiations expected to conclude by next month.
Tariff Adaptability and Pricing Strategy
Addressing global trade dynamics, McMillon said Walmart is well-positioned to manage tariff pressures, especially in the U.S. “We’ve been managing tariffs since 2018, and our experienced merchants can adapt by making different sourcing choices,” he said. Walmart continues to source from both India and China, depending on the category.
He reiterated Walmart’s unwavering focus on affordability: “Keeping the cost of living low is our priority. Low prices are in our DNA, and we aim to maintain a price gap with competitors to deliver value to customers globally.”
Outlook
Doug McMillon’s remarks reflect Walmart’s long-term confidence in the Indian market, despite regulatory complexities. With its sourcing goals progressing steadily and a clear emphasis on policy clarity, Walmart appears poised to deepen its footprint in India — as both a global buyer and a digital retail player via Flipkart — while navigating geopolitical and economic challenges with agility.
