French brand Alcatel joins hands with Flipkart to sell ‘Made-in-India’ smartphones

French technology brand Alcatel is returning to India's crowded smartphone market after more than a seven‑year break, setting aside an initial investment of $30 million (about Rs 260 crore) and signing an exclusive sales pact with e‑commerce giant Flipkart.

Alcatel, whose mobile business is run by China's TCL Communication under a trademark license from Nokia, plans to assemble its new handsets in India.

Chief Business Officer Atul Vivek said the company has "global ambitions" but chose India for its comeback because "if you can crack India, one of the world's toughest consumer markets, you can succeed anywhere." NxtCell India holds the licence for Alcatel.

Digital‑first strategy with Flipkart

Flipkart will list Alcatel phones on its main marketplace and on FK Minutes, the platform's quick‑commerce service. The partnership gives Alcatel instant online reach across metro areas as well as smaller tier‑II and tier‑III towns, a key audience of young, price‑conscious buyers who shop largely on their phones.

Vivek called Flipkart's data on Indian shoppers "crucial" for tailoring products and promotions.

Made‑in‑India production by early June

Alcatel expects its first “Make in India” smartphones to ship by late May or early June. The company has teamed up with a large domestic electronics manufacturer, whose name remains undisclosed because it is publicly listed.

Chief Operating Officer Ansh Rathi said the supply‑chain partnership will let Alcatel bring "new technology at accessible prices" while meeting local content rules.

Targeting the mid‑premium niche

The initial lineup will focus on the Rs 20,000–Rs 25,000 bracket, a price band Alcatel believes is underserved. One upcoming model will feature a built‑in stylus, a tool usually reserved for phones costing Rs 80,000 or more.

By offering premium touches at mid‑range prices, the company hopes to lure students, first‑jobbers and content creators who want productivity features without flagship‑level costs.

Building a wider tech ecosystem

Beyond smartphones, Alcatel plans to add tablets, wearables and other connected devices once it gauges market response. The firm is also expanding its after‑sales network to cover rural areas, promising reliable service to back its digital push.

"We're not here for a short innings," Vivek said. "We're investing in manufacturing, marketing and distribution so we can play a long game and become a formidable player in India.”