In a definitive statement, Samsung Electronics has announced it has no immediate plans to list its Indian subsidiary on the stock market. Instead, the South Korean technology behemoth will channel its efforts towards accelerating the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in its products and significantly expanding its consumer finance operations. This strategy is designed to solidify its position in one of its most crucial global growth markets.
Internal Growth Over Public Listing
In an exclusive interview, JB Park, President and CEO of Samsung Southwest Asia, clarified the company's position. While other major South Korean corporations like Hyundai Motor India and LG Electronics have pursued initial public offerings (IPOs) to fuel their Indian ambitions, Samsung is choosing a different path. "No, we do not have any such plans as of now," Park stated regarding a potential IPO.
The company believes it can adequately fund its future investments through internal resources and other financial instruments like institutional borrowings or corporate bonds. "So, there are multiple options that you can get the working capital in place. So, IPO is not the plan for Samsung," Park explained. This approach allows Samsung to maintain tighter strategic control while signaling strong confidence in India's long-term potential.
Doubling Down on Manufacturing and Finance
Simultaneously, Samsung is seeking to deepen its manufacturing roots in India. The company has applied under the government's Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for components to start manufacturing mobile phone displays locally. This move would build upon its existing massive manufacturing presence, which includes its largest smartphone manufacturing facility in the world located in Noida—a hub that has also become key for exports.
On the sales front, Samsung's consumer finance arm is emerging as a powerful engine for growth, especially in tapping rural markets in the north and northeast. Over 40 per cent of Samsung smartphones in India are sold through its interest-free EMI scheme. Park revealed that this successful model is now being expanded beyond smartphones to include televisions and washing machines, with plans to cover more home appliances. He noted that this finance segment is growing at a robust 10 per cent annually.
AI as the Cornerstone of Future Products
Artificial intelligence is set to become the defining feature of Samsung's future product lineup. The company plans to showcase a suite of AI-powered innovations at the CES 2026 exhibition in Las Vegas next month, marking a "new turning point" for its appliances.
At its "The First Look" event on January 4, 2026, Samsung will highlight upgrades across several product lines. These include the AirDresser, Laundry Combo, WindFree Pro Air Conditioner, and the Jet Bot Steam Ultra robot vacuum—all enhanced with AI for smarter, more personalised user experiences.
A key kitchen highlight will be the upgraded AI Refrigerator Family Hub, which will integrate Google Gemini for the first time. Its new AI Vision feature promises improved on-device food recognition for a more comprehensive kitchen management system. The company will also expand its premium Micro RGB TV lineup with next-generation display technology.
Underpinning these global ambitions is a substantial research and development footprint in India. Samsung employs over 10,000 engineers in the country across three R&D centres and a design centre, contributing significantly to both local and global product innovation pipelines.
