As MSI India accelerates its push across gaming, AI-ready computing, and local manufacturing, the company is positioning itself at the intersection of performance, innovation, and market expansion. In this interaction with DT, James Sung, NB Sales Director of India, MSI discusses MSI India’s growth momentum, the rising importance of Edge AI, the company’s expanding retail and service footprint and deeper channel engagement initiatives.
Q: Please tell us about your overall business performance in 2025. What have been the most significant factors driving the company’s growth?
A: 2025 has been a landmark year for MSI India. We have seen strong double-digit growth driven by three converging forces: the RTX 50 Series launch, which renewed consumer excitement across gaming and creator segments, our local manufacturing push under Make in India, which improved both availability and pricing competitiveness, and the rapid expansion of our retail footprint into Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. The handheld gaming category with the Claw also opened an entirely new revenue stream. Consumer appetite for high-performance, AI-ready machines has been stronger than anticipated, and that tailwind has benefited us significantly.
Q: With AI becoming central to innovation, what does your 2026 product roadmap look like, particularly in terms of AI powered advancements?
A: Our 2026 roadmap is firmly anchored in Edge AI. The RTX 50 Series is just the beginning — we are doubling down on on-device AI capabilities, enabling users to run Small Language Models locally without cloud dependency, which is especially relevant in a market like India where connectivity can be inconsistent. The MSI AI Engine will evolve to become more predictive, not just reactive. Expect advancements in AI-driven thermal management, smarter NPU utilisation for everyday workflows, and studio-ready certifications across more of our lineup. We are also expanding the Claw ecosystem and pushing further on slim, light form factors that do not compromise on performance.
Q: What concrete steps are you taking to further strengthen partner engagement and long term channel collaboration?
A: Our channel strategy in 2026 is built on depth, not just width. Through our 50 exclusive MSI Brand Stores, we deliver a comprehensive experience with the latest MSI innovations, expert service events, hands-on tutorial sessions, and community engagements. For distribution partners, we’re investing in dedicated training programs so channel teams can articulate the Edge AI story effectively at the point of sale. These brand stores also serve as ecosystem anchors, hosting service camps and product launches that benefit the entire channel. Long-term, we see our partners not just as resellers, but as brand ambassadors.
Q: How is your organization supporting the Make in India initiative, and what role does localization play in your future growth plans?
A: MSI made history as the first brand to manufacture RTX laptops in India, and this is not a symbolic gesture; it is a core business strategy. We began with entry-level models and have now expanded local production to flagship lines like the Katana and Crosshair powered by the RTX 50 Series, directly reflecting where Indian consumer demand is heading. Local manufacturing gives us supply chain resilience, faster go-to-market, and the ability to respond to consumer feedback quickly. Paired with our 170+ service centres and 50 brand stores reaching Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities like Lucknow, Kochi, Coimbatore, and Jaipur, localisation is the foundation of our long-term India growth story.
Q: What are your top strategic priorities for 2026 across revenue, expansion, and market positioning?
A: Three priorities define 2026 for us. First, deepening our AI narrative, ensuring that every product we bring to market tells a clear, credible Edge AI story that Indian consumers and professionals can relate to. Second, geographic expansion, aggressively growing our presence in Tier 2 and Tier 3 markets where aspiration is high, and competition is still thin. Third, trust at scale — expanding our service infrastructure, reducing turnaround times, and making after-sales support as strong as our hardware, because in these markets, trust is the real differentiator.
Quick Bytes
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