Samsung MX boss TM Roh jets to India as competition heats up

India is an important market for Samsung. It's also one of the most competitive, as the company faces tough resistance from the many Chinese brands that operate there as well. Yet, with India's projected GDP growth rate of more than 6% for 2025/2026, it's a market that can't be ignored.

Samsung is looking to capitalize on this opportunity by expanding its R&D centers, investing more in local production of flagship phones, and more effectively competing against Chinese rivals. No wonder, then, that Samsung MX boss Roh Tae-moon went to India after MWC 2025 to personally assess the market.

New Galaxy AI features also being developed

To further extend its hold on the Indian market, Samsung is expanding its R&D facilities in Bengaluru and Noida, with a focus on developing Galaxy AI features that support the various Indian languages. Galaxy S25 production is also slated to begin at the Noida plant.

Samsung faces tough competition from Chinese brands in India and ended the last quarter of 2023 and 2024 in third place, behind Vivo and Xiaomi, according to Counterpoint Research. TM Roh visited local production and sales facilities during his trip in a bid to ensure that the company stays on top of its game in one of the world's most lucrative smartphone markets.

Samsung is also looking to expand its presence in Middle East and Africa. It has launched targeted marketing campaigns for the month of Ramadan to cater to Muslim customers during the holy month, including special discounts on many of its trending products.

Adnan Farooqui - Executive Editor

[email protected]

First Samsung device: SGH-E900

Adnan Farooqui is a long-term writer at SamMobile. Based in Pakistan, his interests include technology, finance, Swiss watches and Formula 1. His tendency to write long posts betrays his inclination to being a man of few words.

Phone India TM Roh