New Delhi: Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi has solidified a partnership with the government-backed plug-and-play e-commerce platform ONDC to expand mobility services offered through the Uber app. Speaking at the signing of the memorandum of understanding (MoU), Khosrowshahi highlighted the challenges posed by the Indian consumer base, emphasizing their discerning nature and reluctance to spend money easily.India: A crucial market for UberKhosrowshahi underscored the significance of India as a market, expressing his belief that success in India would translate to success in other markets worldwide. He remarked, If we can succeed here [in India], we can succeed anywhere else, affirming the pivotal role of India in Ubers global strategy.It was an honor to speak with @NandanNilekani about Indias progress on building digital public infrastructure. The scale of the work being done and its impact is stunning. Im excited to see how @Uber can step up its collaboration with the India Stack pic.twitter.com/XUeap0VZv7— dara khosrowshahi (@dkhos) February 22, 2024Ubers expansion plans in IndiaUber intends to diversify its offerings in the low-fare mobility segment, including the integration of 2- and 3-wheelers into its platform. Additionally, the company is exploring opportunities in the bus mobility segment across various countries, signaling its commitment to enhancing transportation options for users.Adapting to the challenges of COVID-19Addressing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Ubers operations, Khosrowshahi acknowledged the $3 billion decline in profits, which prompted the company to pivot towards core business areas such as Uber Eats and advertising. He emphasized Ubers transformation into a more consumer-focused company during the pandemic, aligning its strategies with evolving consumer preferences and market dynamics.Excited to check out the @Uber Shuttle bus 🚌 at our Bangalore office along with the hugely talented team behind it. Cars, bikes, autos and buses - Uber in India is a one-stop mobility hub. pic.twitter.com/YmRV65wGdW— dara khosrowshahi (@dkhos) February 22, 2024Harnessing Indias digital infrastructureKhosrowshahi recognized Indias digital public infrastructure as a promising asset for both the country and other developing nations. The ethos of ONDC in democratizing digital commerce resonates with Ubers commitment to serving Indias mobility needs, fostering synergies between the two entities.Collaboration with Tata digitals Tata Neu SuperappTata Digital, the digital arm of Tata Group, aims to integrate Ubers ride-hailing services into its superapp Tata Neu. This collaboration is anticipated to drive increased downloads of the Tata Neu app, with returning customers seeking cab bookings contributing to heightened app traffic. Khosrowshahis recent meeting with Tata Group chairman N Chandrasekaran in Davos signals ongoing discussions between Uber and Tata Group regarding potential partnerships and collaborations.
