Duke, who was seen with Bharti Enterprises joint managing director Rajan Mittal at the Inorbit mall in the city, also visited Spencer’s, and met with a top official of Shopper’s Stop as well, sources said.

Describing Duke’s India sojourn as a “routine business visit”, a Wal-Mart spokesperson said no business announcement regarding the company’s specific plans would be made during this visit. He said the visit was aimed at getting personally acquainted with the Indian market.

The official said, “Our business arrangements with Bharti for wholesale cash-and-carry are still being discussed. We look forward to partnering with them to build backward linkages with farmers and suppliers through a robust and efficient supply chain.”

Wal-Mart also said that in line with existing guidelines, Bharti Retail had approached it for technology support in logistics, supply chain and back-end technology.

“At this stage, we are still in preliminary discussions,” the official added.

Duke was slated to meet Bharti chairman Sunil Mittal and senior government officials in the evening. Sourcing from India for its international operations continues to remain a growing interest for Wal-Mart.

It already sources goods worth $1.5 billion from India. This is expected to rise to $10 billion over the next few years.

Kiranawalas cry hoarse

Mumbai/Delhi: Over 100 protesters waving banners and shouting slogans marched on government buildings in New Delhi. Some broke through police barricades and burnt an effigy representing Wal-Mart.

Small shopkeepers fear Wal-Mart’s arrival could put many of the estimated 40 million Indians who depend on the retail sector out of work. “Go back Wal-Mart, Long Live Justice,” protesters shouted, waving placards demanding: “Save Small Retailers”.

Vice-chairman Michael Duke led the Wal-Mart team that was set to visit a hypermarket in Mumbai and hold talks with government and Bharti officials in New Delhi. —Reuters