In a significant development for the mobile industry, India has emerged as the leading market for HMD Global—the parent company of Nokia phones. Key figures from the company, including Ravi Kunwar, the AC VP and CEO, and Jean Francois Baril, Chairman and CEO, highlighted India’s importance in a recent discussion. They emphasized that the nation plays a crucial role in the company’s financial success and strategic initiatives, showcasing its vibrant growth and abundant talent.
India: A Cornerstone for HMD Global
According to Baril, India stands out as a vital contributor to HMD’s financial health and operational resources. With close to 200 employees and various global functions based in the country, HMD recognizes the immense potential of the Indian market. Baril enthusiastically stated, “India serves as our primary market in terms of resources and numbers. The progress we’ve witnessed here over the past few years is nothing short of spectacular.”
Exciting New Products on the Horizon
In a bid to cater to music enthusiasts, HMD recently unveiled two new feature phones: the HMD 130 Music and HMD 150 Music. These devices are equipped with impressive features, including:
- 2500 mAh battery for extended usage
- Bluetooth 5.0 for seamless connectivity
- Type C Fast Charging for quick power-ups
- UPI payment capabilities for convenient transactions
These feature phones are priced affordably at ₹1,899 and ₹2,399, making them accessible to a wide range of consumers through retail outlets, e-commerce platforms, and the HMD website. Additionally, HMD plans to launch an entry-level 5G smartphone in the near future, signaling its commitment to innovation in the Indian market.
Commitment to Local Production
Ravi Kunwar emphasized HMD’s dedication to local manufacturing, noting that almost 100% of the products sold in India are produced domestically. “Our manufacturing partners in India are operating at optimal capacity, and they can scale up as demand increases,” he explained, reinforcing India’s strategic position not just for sales but also as a hub for exports.
Strengthening Partnerships
In a further strategic move, HMD announced the continuation of its partnership with Rajasthan Royals as their official smartphone partner for the IPL 2025 season. This collaboration underlines HMD’s commitment to enhancing its brand presence in the Indian market through engaging and dynamic partnerships.
With its focus on local production and innovative products, HMD Global is poised to strengthen its foothold in India, tapping into the nation’s vast talent pool and market potential.
