India's Retail Revolution: How E-commerce Drives Economic Transformation
New Delhi, zaterdag, 28 juni 2025.
The Indian retail sector stands on the brink of a spectacular growth phase, with expected revenue increasing to 1.6 trillion dollars by 2026. E-commerce forms the backbone of this revolution, with an anticipated growth of 27% in the same period. The digital infrastructure, affordable mobile data, and a young, technologically savvy population contribute to this advancement. By 2030, over 500 million online shoppers are expected, positioning India’s e-commerce market as the world’s second-largest. Technological innovations such as AI, rapid delivery, and personalised customer experiences will further accelerate this transformation.
Digital Infrastructure as a Growth Catalyst
The Indian e-commerce market is about to experience exponential growth, driven by a unique combination of technological developments and demographic shifts. The country currently has 944.7 million wireless internet subscribers, creating enormous potential for online trade [1]. The expectation is that the number of online shoppers will grow from 238 million in 2024 to 500 million in 2030, making India the world’s second-largest e-commerce market [2].
Technological Innovation as a Catalyst
Generative AI is seen as a crucial driver for productivity enhancement in the retail sector. As many as 48% of Indian companies have already started pilot projects for AI solutions, with an expected productivity increase of 35-37% in the next five years [3]. Moreover, the emergence of ultra-fast delivery services (q-commerce) will further transform market dynamics [4].
Economic Growth Expectations
The Indian e-commerce market is estimated to grow by 176%, from US$ 125 billion in FY24 to US$ 345 billion in FY30 [5]. The sector is supported by a combination of factors: rising digital adoption, affordable mobile data (around $0.15 per GB), and a young population with an average age of 28.8 years [6].