Key takeaways
- Microsoft is joining the Indian Government's ONDC initiative to enhance digital commerce accessibility.
- The ONDC aims to create an inclusive e-commerce market for buyers and sellers.
- A shopping app from Microsoft is in development, leveraging the ONDC network for competitive pricing.
- Currently, ONDC is in its pilot phase across 36 cities, onboarding various platforms.
- The Indian eCommerce industry is projected to reach $400 billion by 2030, supported by Microsoft's involvement.
On Tuesday, Microsoft is joining the Indian Government’s initiative of Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC).
ONDC was launched this year with the aim to develop the first open network for digital commerce and create an inclusive e-commerce market which will allow buyers and sellers to leverage digital commerce. Microsoft plans to announce its shopping app for Indian consumers, where it looks to harness the ONDC network to establish best prices among sellers and retailers.
ONDC’s pilot phase is currently underway in 36 cities across the country and onboarding nine platforms with the rest in advanced stages of development.
Microsoft’s spokesperson said in a statement that it’s a win-win for both consumers and sellers to enable them to connect directly without depending on any eCommerce platform.
The Indian eCommerce industry is expected to reach $400 billion by 2030, increasing at 19% CAGR. With the Fortune 500 company’s support, ONDC is expected to expand India’s landscape for eCommerce by creating a level playing field for every small or large buyer/seller.
