India's e-commerce market is projected to grow from around $90 billion in 2025 to approximately $250 billion by 2030, driven by AI-powered shopping experiences, vernacular commerce, and increasing digital adoption beyond metropolitan centres, according to a report released by Shiprocket in partnership with Deloitte.
Titled AI for Bharat Commerce: Unlocking the $250 Billion Business Opportunity, the report found that AI-powered product discovery, checkout intelligence, and fulfilment innovation are expected to reshape online shopping as India's internet user base expands.
The report noted that 488 million rural internet users account for 55% of the country's active internet population, while 98% of internet users consume content in Indic languages. Vernacular voice queries have grown 156% faster than English, and tier-2 and tier-3 cities now account for more than 60% of India's online shoppers.
The study identified AI-powered personalisation, conversion intelligence, and Bharat-led digital adoption as the three key trends shaping the next phase of e-commerce growth. It also found that 90% of Indian consumers believe generative AI has improved their online shopping experience.
Commenting on the findings, Saahil Goel, MD and CEO, Shiprocket, said in a statement, "Consumers today expect faster, more personalised, and more convenient shopping experiences. For businesses, this means investing in AI, strengthening fulfilment capabilities, and building experiences that cater to customers across both metro and emerging markets."
The report highlighted AI-powered personalisation, conversational commerce, visual discovery, and predictive recommendations as technologies that help businesses improve conversions and customer retention. According to the study, recognised returning customers convert at 2.1 times the rate of new-to-ecosystem users, while brands with repeat purchase rates above 25% post profit margins 3.4 times higher than those below 15%.
Anand Ramanathan, Partner and Consumer Industry Leader, Deloitte India, added, "As India charts its path toward becoming one of the world's largest and most dynamic commerce markets, the winners will not simply be those who adopt AI, but those who learn how to apply it with precision, speed, and discipline. The opportunity is large. The next phase will belong to those who act decisively."
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