DIPP Seeks More Information From Xiaomi for Launch of Retail Stores

"The DIPP wants some more information from the company as there are some gaps in their application. After getting their response, the department will move forward on that," an official said.

The information is important as Xiaomi has sought complete exemption from the mandatory 30 percent local sourcing norms.

When contacted about the matter, the company said: "We have submitted our application and currently it is under process with the DIPP.

"We are in constant discussion with the department for small clarifications, and we have not met any major obstacles to date. We are unable to comment further on the specifics of the application as it is still being processed."

After the the government relaxed the foreign direct investment (FDI) policy for single-brand retail trading, several global players are showing keenness to open stores in the country.

Besides Xiaomi, tech giant Apple and Chinese technology company LeEco too have sought the government's nod to open stores.

(Also see:  Government Panel Nod Paves the Way for Apple Retail Stores in India)

As per the FDI policy, the government may relax the sourcing norms for entities undertaking single-brand retailing of products having 'state-of-the-art' and 'cutting edge' technology and where local sourcing is not possible.

At present, 100 percent FDI is permitted in the sector but the companies are required to take FIPB permission if the limit exceeds 49 percent.

In respect of proposals involving FDI beyond 51 percent, sourcing of 30 percent of the value of goods purchased will be from India, preferably from MSMEs, village and cottage industries, artisans and craftsmen, in all sectors.

Xiaomi sells its devices through select e-commerce platforms and retail stores.

India is one of the biggest markets for Xiaomi globally specially in booming 4G segment. The company assembles devices like Redmi 2 and Redmi Note at the manufacturing facility of Foxconn, a leading contract manufacturer.

According to CyberMedia Research, Xiaomi accounted for 10 percent of 4G devices shipped in India in 2015. As per another market research IDC, Xiaomi had 3.5 percent share in overall smartphone segment in October-December.