Amazon Unveils Blue Jay and Project Eluna to Revolutionize Warehouse Robotics and AI

Amazon has just unveiled two cutting-edge technologies—Blue Jay and Project Eluna—designed to transform its operations network by enhancing safety, efficiency, and decision-making for front-line employees.

Blue Jay: Multi-Arm Robotics System

• Functionality: Coordinates multiple robotic arms in a single station to perform picking, stowing, and consolidating tasks simultaneously.
• Efficiency Boost: Replaces three separate robotic stations with one streamlined unit, handling ~75% of item types stored at Amazon sites.
• Design: Ceiling-mounted system that moves packages at high speeds, already deployed in select fulfillment centers.

Project Eluna: Agentic AI for Smarter Decisions

Project Eluna – An Agentic AI system

• Project Eluna will be piloted at a fulfillment center in Tennessee to assist operators this holiday season, working initially on sortation optimization. Operators can ask questions like, “Where should we shift people to avoid a bottleneck?” and receive clear, data-backed recommendations. The goal: less putting out fires, more foresight.
• Purpose: Supports front-line employees by simplifying complex decisions and optimizing workflows.
• Agentic AI: Goes beyond traditional automation by acting as a collaborative decision-making partner, not just a tool.
• Impact: Helps reduce repetitive tasks, improve safety, and open new career pathways for employees.

Blue Jay and Project Eluna join other new robotics and AI systems we launched this year, including Vulcan, Amazon’s first robot with a sense of touch designed to assist with ergonomically challenging tasks, and DeepFleet, an AI foundation model that coordinates large fleets of mobile robots across facilities.

Amazon Taps Yamuna Watershed for India’s Biggest Replenishment Push

Amazon is funding its first-ever water replenishment project in the Yamuna River watershed, upstream from New Delhi, tackling water scarcity and over-extraction of groundwater.

This initiative adds to Amazon's growing portfolio of water conservation projects across India, which already includes major lake restoration efforts and community water solutions benefiting over 1 million people since 2020. The project is expected to replenish more than 400 million litres of water annually once completed, and will help Amazon make progress toward its commitment to return more water to communities in India than it uses in its direct operations by 2027.

New Delhi faces significant water management challenges, with water supply issues impacting the daily lives of residents and operations of businesses throughout the capital region. Amazon’s project in New Delhi, featuring a groundwater recharge programme, was announced at Amazon's inaugural Water Dialogues today. The event is a thought leadership initiative that puts together key stakeholders in the water industry, such as Ramveer Tanwar, The Pondman of India, Sheeba Sen, co-founder of Hasten Regeneration, Manoj Singh, Associate Director - Climate, Agriculture & Food Systems, The Nature Conservancy among others, to deliberate on challenges and initiatives regarding water as a scarce resource. The event also featured a keynote address by Sasmit Patra, Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha).

The New Delhi water project, in cooperation with social enterprise and developer of ecosystem restoration projects, Hasten Regeneration, combines the rehabilitation of existing infrastructure—including check dams and ponds—with the construction of new water-saving structures, like percolation pits and recharge shafts. Additionally, planting vegetation around these structures can help to prevent erosion, increase the moisture in soil, and improve local landscapes. Sites will be selected within the Yamuna River watershed with the goal of maximizing direct benefits to New Delhi's water security.

Sasmit Patra, Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) said, “The inaugural Water Dialogues 2025 in Delhi marks an important step in advancing collaboration around India’s pressing water challenges. Amazon’s funding of its first water replenishment project in the Yamuna River watershed, expected to return more than 400 million litres of water annually is a commendable contribution. It reflects the growing recognition that water stewardship is a shared responsibility. We welcome this effort and see it as an opportunity to encourage greater private sector engagement in delivering inclusive, community-driven solutions, especially in water-stressed urban and peri-urban regions.”

"Our country faces critical water challenges, with groundwater levels in New Delhi declining at an alarming rate," said Abhinav Singh, Vice President, Operations, Amazon India & Australia. "Our project with Hasten Regeneration focuses on revitalizing the Yamuna basin through strategic infrastructure rehabilitation and new construction. This watershed-level approach not only aims to capture monsoon runoff and replenishes critical aquifers but also empowers local communities as stewards of these vital resources. This initiative represents a significant step toward our goal to replenish more water than we use in India by 2027."

For this groundwater recharge water project, Hasten Regeneration will collaborate with India-based non-governmental organization Arpan Seva Sansthan, winner of India’s ‘National Water Award’ in 2023, and Clear Water Dynamics, a Bangalore based consultancy firm specialising in water engineering infrastructure projects.

“This collaborative action is exactly what New Delhi needs to help address its water crisis. By blending traditional wisdom with scientific rigour, we're building both water systems and community resilience,” said Sheeba Sen, co-founder of Hasten Regeneration. “Our aim is to ensure Amazon’s funding is at its catalytic best, inviting communities as active participants and not just beneficiaries. The 400 million litres we expect to replenish annually represents a vital lifeline for communities across the Yamuna watershed.”

In 2024, Amazon announced a goal to return more water to communities in India than it uses in its direct operations by 2027. The new goal builds on Amazon’s work over the last several years to improve water efficiency at its sites in India, and on investments in projects that return water to critically water-stressed communities. For example, Amazon is collaborating with SayTrees, a local environmental organisation, to undertake a comprehensive restoration of Yamare and Sai Reddy Lakes.

The projects, undergoing since January 2025, involve desilting the lakes, restoring bund formations, and repairing inlet and outlet structures. These efforts, once finished, are expected to replenish annually more than 270 million litres of water to Yamare Lake, and close to 300 million litres of water to Sai Reddy Lake, tripling its size. Investments previously made by Amazon in India since 2020 have already enabled long-lasting, climate-resilient water and sanitation solutions to benefit more than 1 million people.

More information about Amazon’s commitment to water conservation and restoration can be found on Amazon’s Water Stewardship website

Nike’s Amazon Return After 6-Years Signals a Shift from D2C Ambitions

Nike is making a comeback on Amazon after a six-year hiatus, said a report by The Information. The sneaker giant originally pulled its products from the platform in 2019 to focus on direct-to-consumer sales and maintain tighter control over its brand experience. However, with shifting market dynamics and a dip in sales, Nike is reestablishing its direct relationship with Amazon to expand its reach.

Starting in June, Nike will also be raising prices on select adult apparel and footwear, though children's products and certain iconic items like Air Force 1s will remain unchanged. The move is part of a broader strategy under CEO Elliott Hill to regain market share and optimize distribution channels.

Amazon, in turn, will begin sourcing a wider range of Nike products directly, reducing reliance on third-party sellers. This marks a significant shift in Nike's retail strategy.

It is to be noted that before pulling out in 2019, Nike struggled with unauthorized third-party sellers flooding Amazon with counterfeits or unverified products. Now, by selling directly (via Amazon), Nike can maintain better control over pricing, branding, and authenticity.

Nike will now sell directly on Amazon, rather than relying on third-party sellers. Previously, Nike was a "gated" brand, meaning its products were highly restricted to prevent counterfeits. Amazon has informed some third-party sellers that they will no longer be allowed to sell overlapping Nike products after July 19, 2025. This move ensures Nike maintains tighter control over its brand presence. 

Nike previously emphasized DTC channels like its own website and retail stores for higher profit margins and brand control. Selling on Amazon again signals a shift—perhaps acknowledging that exclusive reliance on DTC wasn’t sustainable long-term.

Nike aggressively pushed its D2C model, prioritizing its own website, apps, and flagship stores while cutting ties with wholesale partners. While this boosted profit margins, it also alienated retailers and limited Nike’s reach.

Nike’s direct-to-consumer (D2C) strategy, once a cornerstone of its growth, has undergone a significant recalibration. Here’s what might have happened:

1. Over-Reliance on D2C Channels

Nike aggressively pushed its D2C model, prioritizing its own website, apps, and flagship stores while cutting ties with wholesale partners. While this boosted profit margins, it also alienated retailers and limited Nike’s reach.

2. Market Saturation & Slower Growth

Despite initial success, Nike’s D2C sales began to plateau. The brand struggled to maintain the same level of growth, especially as economic conditions shifted and consumer spending patterns evolved.

3. Challenges in Customer Acquisition Costs

Nike’s heavy investment in digital marketing and personalized experiences increased customer acquisition costs. While D2C offers higher margins, it also demands significant spending on logistics, advertising, and customer engagement.

4. Return to Wholesale & Amazon

Recognizing the limitations of an exclusive D2C approach, Nike is now rebalancing its strategy. The brand is rekindling partnerships with major retailers and returning to Amazon to regain lost market share and improve accessibility.

5. Renewed Focus on Brand Building

Nike is shifting back to long-term brand storytelling rather than just performance-driven marketing. The company is emphasizing emotional connections with consumers, reinforcing its iconic status rather than relying solely on direct sales.

Other major brands like Adidas and Under Armour will closely watch how Nike performs on Amazon. If successful, this might encourage more premium brands to embrace Amazon, despite initial hesitations about price dilution or brand perception.

Beside these, Nike is also partnering with Printemps, a luxury department store, and launching AI-powered conversational search to enhance its online shopping experience.

Nike’s evolution highlights the delicate balance between direct sales and wholesale partnerships. Do you think this shift will strengthen Nike’s position, or does it signal a retreat from its ambitious D2C vision? Do comment below....

AWS and HUMAIN Announce $5 Bn + Investment to Create AI Zone in Saudi Arabia

Big news in the AI world!.... Amazon Web Services (AWS) and HUMAIN have announced a $5 billion-plus investment to create a groundbreaking AI Zone in Saudi Arabia. This initiative aims to accelerate AI adoption both locally and globally, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.

HUMAIN is a Saudi Arabian Al company launched by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman under the Public Investment Fund (PIF). It aims to position Saudi Arabia as a global Al hub by developing advanced Al technologies, next-generation data centers, cloud infrastructure, and Arabic Large Language Models (LLMs).

The AI Zone will feature:

• Dedicated AWS AI infrastructure, including world-class semiconductors and UltraCluster networks for faster AI training.
• AWS services like SageMaker, Bedrock, and Amazon Q, enabling businesses to develop generative AI applications with security and privacy.
• A unified AI agent marketplace, simplifying AI software deployment for the Saudi government.
• Support for Large Language Models (LLMs), including Arabic Large Language Models (ALLaM), to drive AI innovation across industries.

AWS and HUMAIN will also work together to advance an AI-powered startup sector in the Kingdom, providing access to the broadest and deepest set of cloud technology tools and programs, including AWS Activate, and helping Saudi Arabia’s most ambitious founders and entrepreneurs scale their businesses.

This partnership builds on AWS’s previous $5.3 billion investment in Saudi Arabia to develop an AWS infrastructure region, set to launch in 2026. The AI Zone is an additional investment, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s ambition to become a global AI leader.

Notably, AWS is currently building an AWS infrastructure region in Saudi Arabia that will become available in 2026. Amazon is investing US$5.3 billion (approx. 19.88 billion Saudi riyal) in Saudi Arabia to develop this new region for AWS.

The new AI Zone announced is an additional investment to grow global and local demand for advanced AI services in the Kingdom, and is part of AWS’s long-term commitment to bring its world-class infrastructure and services to Saudi Arabia.

This collaboration aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and builds upon the Kingdom’s pledge in 2024 to invest in building an AI-powered economy, representing a significant step towards realizing Saudi Arabia's ambitions to become a global AI leader. AWS will bring to Saudi Arabia its advanced server and network infrastructure capabilities, as well as its artificial intelligence and machine learning services – including Amazon SageMaker AI, Amazon Bedrock and Amazon Q, fully managed services for building and scaling generative AI (genAI) applications.

With Amazon Bedrock in Saudi Arabia, businesses and government organizations can access high-performing models from leading AI companies to develop genAI applications with security, privacy, and responsible AI. Amazon Q is the world’s most capable coding assistant, and also enables organizations to build genAI-powered assistants to answer questions, provide summaries, generate content, and complete tasks based on enterprise data.

Saudi Arabia is making massive investments in Al to diversify its economy, and HUMAIN is a key player in this transformation.

"This collaboration to build an AI Zone in Saudi Arabia will enable innovations across all industries using AWS’s advanced AI offerings, and reflects our commitment to support Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030,” said Matt Garman, CEO, Amazon Web Services. “Together, we will empower customers with cost-effective and secure cloud technologies, fuel innovation and economic growth across the nation, and enable HUMAIN to appeal to customers globally."

"HUMAIN’s partnership with AWS is a pivotal moment in Saudi Arabia's journey to become a global leader in AI,” said Tareq Amin, CEO of HUMAIN. “By leveraging AWS’s world-class cloud infrastructure and AI expertise and HUMAIN’s full-stack AI capabilities, we are creating an offering that will attract global investment and talent, thereby driving our digital transformation agenda forward.”

Top Image by Lara Jameson from Pexels

Amazon Introduces New Gen AI Model for Building Voice Apps & Agents

Today, Amazon.com Inc (NASDAQ: AMZN) introduced Amazon Nova Sonic, a new foundation model that unifies speech understanding and speech generation into a single model, to enable more human-like voice conversations in artificial intelligence (AI) applications. Available in Amazon Bedrock via a new bi-directional streaming API, the model simplifies the development of voice applications, such as customer service call automation and AI agents across a broad range of industries, including travel, education, healthcare, entertainment, and more.

“From the invention of the world’s best personal AI assistant with Alexa, to developing AWS services like Connect, Lex, and Polly that are used across a wide range of industries, Amazon has long believed that voice-powered applications can make all of our customers’ lives better and easier,” said Rohit Prasad, SVP of Amazon Artificial General Intelligence. “With Amazon Nova Sonic, we are releasing a new foundation model in Amazon Bedrock that makes it simpler for developers to build voice-powered applications that can complete tasks for customers with higher accuracy, while being more natural, and engaging.”

Traditional approaches to building voice-enabled applications involve complex orchestration of multiple models, such as speech recognition to convert speech to text, large language models (LLMs) to understand and generate responses, and text-to-speech to convert text back to audio. This fragmented approach not only increases development complexity but also fails to preserve crucial acoustic context and nuances like tone, prosody, and speaking style that are essential for natural conversations.

Nova Sonic solves these challenges through a unified model architecture that delivers speech understanding and generation, without requiring a separate model for each of these steps. This unification enables the model to adapt the generated voice response to the acoustic context (e.g. tone, style) and the spoken input, resulting in more natural dialog. Nova Sonic even understands the nuances of human conversation, including the speaker’s natural pauses and hesitations, waiting to speak until the appropriate time, and gracefully handling barge-ins. It also generates a text transcript for the user’s speech, enabling developers to use that text to call specific tools and APIs for building voice-enabled AI agents (e.g., an AI-powered travel agent that can book flights by retrieving up to date flight information). These capabilities, along with its lightning-fast inference, make voice applications powered by Nova Sonic more natural and useful.

State-of-the-art accuracy and quality

Nova Sonic has been rigorously tested against a wide range of industry standard benchmarks for speech understanding and generation, demonstrating exceptional quality and accuracy for human-like, real-time voice conversations.

The model excels in natural dialog handling, seamlessly understanding and adapting to pauses, hesitations, and interruptions while maintaining conversational context throughout the interaction. This capability contributed to strong performance for overall quality and accuracy in turn-taking tests.

Nova Sonic demonstrates strong performance on overall conversation quality compared to other models in the industry, which at this time include a select few with similar real-time conversational speech capabilities, such as OpenAI's GPT-4o (Realtime) and Google Gemini Flash 2.0 (available via Gemini’s experimental live API). For example, single-turn dialogs in its American English masculine-sounding voice achieved a 51.0% and 69.7% win-rate against OpenAI’s GPT-4o (Realtime) and Google’s Gemini Flash 2.0 respectively, based on the Common Eval data set. Likewise, Nova Sonic’s American English feminine-sounding voice scored 50.9% and 66.3% win-rate against OpenAI’s GPT-4o (Realtime) and Google’s Gemini Flash 2.0 respectively on the same data set. Nova Sonic also exceeds performance for its British English feminine-sounding voice, scoring a 58.3% win-rate against OpenAI’s GPT-4o (Realtime).

Since recognizing spoken words is critical in generating accurate responses, measuring Nova Sonic's speech recognition accuracy in terms of word error rate (WER) across a wide range of languages, dialects, and accents is also critical. On the Multilingual LibriSpeech, Nova Sonic achieved a WER of 4.2%, which is 36.4% relative lower than OpenAI's GPT-4o Transcribe model, when averaged across English, French, Italian, German and Spanish.

On English utterances of the Multilingual LibriSpeech (MLS) data set, it has 24.2% relative lower WER compared to OpenAI’s GPT-4o Transcribe model.

Nova Sonic is also robust to noisy conditions, with 46.7% relative lower WER for English compared to OpenAI’s GPT-4o Transcribe model measured on Augmented Multi Party Interaction (AMI) meeting benchmark that consists of real-world noisy and multi-speaker interactions.

Tool-use for function calling and agentic workflows

Nova Sonic also supports tool-use for applications—like customer service call automation—that require the responses to be factually grounded in enterprise data, such as pricing plans, available inventory, and schedule availability. Nova Sonic’s native tool-use also enables the model to resolve complex customer queries and complete tasks on behalf of customers, for example, “make a reservation” or “find alternate flights.”

Multiple native voices and speaking styles

Nova Sonic supports three expressive voices, including both masculine-sounding and feminine-sounding voices now generally available in English, and supports speech generation in different English accents including American and British. Support for additional languages and accents will be coming soon.

Industry-leading speed and price performance

Nova Sonic delivers an average customer-perceived latency of 1.09 seconds from the time the customer is done talking to the time the system generates the first speech response. This is compared to 1.18 seconds for OpenAI’s GPT-4o (Realtime), and 1.41 seconds for Google’s Gemini Flash 2.0 (available via Gemini’s experimental live API), per benchmarking by Artificial Analysis.

Nova Sonic is the most cost-efficient model in the industry, when compared to models that have similar functionality of real-time speech conversations and have public pricing available. For example, it is nearly 80% less expensive than OpenAI’s GPT-4o (Realtime).

Amazon Nova Sonic is helping companies drive better customer satisfaction and productivity

ASAPP empowers enterprise customers’ contact centers to deliver unmatched customer service through GenerativeAgent, a fully conversational generative Al voice agent. “At ASAPP, we are focused on using generative AI to deliver reliable, secure, and high-performing solutions for improving customer service in contact centers. We’ve been particularly impressed by Amazon Nova Sonic’s highly accurate speech understanding capabilities which allow for more natural voice interactions and precise dialog handling over telephony,” said Nirmal Mukhi, VP of AI Engineering at ASAPP. “We’re excited to continue using Nova Sonic to deliver secure, high-quality, and precise conversations that meet the demands of enterprise contact centers.”

Education First (EF) is a leader in international education through its networks of schools and offices in over 50 countries. “Amazon Nova Sonic enables EF students to practice new vocabulary and refine their pronunciation in a dynamic learning environment, while the interactive nature of the model allows students to receive immediate feedback on their pronunciation attempts, contributing to a more efficient and effective learning process. The model is capable of accurately understanding non-native English speakers with a variety of accents. We were also impressed with the barge-in feature of Nova Sonic, where the model quickly reacts to interruptions,” said Tim Hesse, VP of AI and Data at EF. “The scalability and reliability of the technology will allow us to expand our capacity to serve a larger student population simultaneously, without compromising the quality of instruction.”

Stats Perform is a sports data and AI technology provider, serving global media organizations, betting operators, and professional sports teams. “At Stats Perform, our goal is to empower the world’s top sports broadcasters, media, federations and teams with magic in the detail of our vast live and historical Opta sports dataset, to help them win audiences, customers and trophies. With the Opta AI Chat they can generate unique, accurate, and contextual responses, driven by live data insights with remarkable speed, in multiple formats and languages, to find a winning analytical or storytelling edge,” said Mike Perez, Chief Operating Officer at Stats Perform. “We’ve been testing Amazon Nova Sonic and have been particularly impressed by the system's low latency, which enables near-instantaneous responses even to complex queries of our model, creating a seamless user experience that turns human experts into superhuman experts. The intuitive prompting capability and ease of setup have exceeded our expectations, making implementation simple. Overall, Nova Sonic has proven to be a fantastic solution.”

Amazon is committed to the responsible development of artificial intelligence

Amazon Nova models are built with integrated safety measures and protections. The company has launched AWS AI Service Cards for Nova models, offering transparent information on use cases, limitations, and responsible AI practices.

To get started with Amazon Nova models, visit: https://aws.amazon.com/nova/

To learn more, visit: About Amazon for details on today’s announcement.

Amazon's Satellite Internet Network Set for First Launch

Amazon will launch 27 Kuiper satellites into low Earth orbit

Amazon is gearing up to launch 27 Kuiper satellites into low Earth orbit as part of its ambitious Project Kuiper, which aims to provide high-speed, low-latency internet worldwide.

Project Kuiper will deliver high-speed, low-latency internet to virtually any location on the planet, and Amazon expects to begin delivering service to customers later this year.

The launch, scheduled for April 9, will take place aboard a United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida.

This marks a major step in Amazon's plan to deploy over 3,200 satellites, competing directly with SpaceX's Starlink, which already has more than 7,000 satellites in orbit. Amazon has secured 80 launch missions with partners like Arianespace, Blue Origin, and even SpaceX to build out its constellation.

To connect to Kuiper’s network, users will need specialized terminal antennas, with Amazon’s smallest dish offering speeds up to 100 Mbps, while larger models will provide speeds up to 1 Gbps.

Rajeev Badyal, vice president of Project Kuiper, said, "We’ve designed some of the most advanced communications satellites ever built, and every launch is an opportunity to add more capacity and coverage to our network."

“We’ve done extensive testing on the ground to prepare for this first mission, but there are some things you can only learn in flight, and this will be the first time we’ve flown our final satellite design and the first time we’ve deployed so many satellites at once. No matter how the mission unfolds, this is just the start of our journey, and we have all the pieces in place to learn and adapt as we prepare to launch again and again over the coming years.”, said Badyal.

Over the next few years, Kuiper and ULA teams will conduct seven more Atlas V launches and 38 launches on ULA’s larger Vulcan Centaur rocket. An additional 30-plus launches are planned across our other launch providers: Arianespace, Blue Origin, and SpaceX.

Amazon Announces Zero Referral Fees on Over 1.2 Crore Products; Move Aimed at Boosting Growth of Lakhs of Sellers Across India

• Zero referral fees on products under ₹300, enabling significant savings on low-price items for sellers.
• Applicable across 135 product categories like apparel, shoes, fashion jewelry, grocery, home décor and furnishings, beauty, toys, kitchen products, automotive, and pet products amongst others.
• Simplified flat shipping rate introduced for sellers using external fulfilment (Easy Ship and Seller Flex): National shipping rates now start at ₹65, down from ₹77.
• Sellers shipping more than one unit at a time stand to see up to 90%+ savings in selling fees on the second unit.

Amazon India today announced its highest-ever reduction in seller fees to support lakhs of small businesses selling on Amazon.in from across the country. In a move aimed at further boosting growth of sellers on Amazon.in, the company has introduced zero referral fees on over 1.2 crore products that are priced below ₹300. Referral fees is a commission that sellers pay to Amazon for each product sold. The zero referral fees apply to more than 135 product categories.

Amazon has also brought in a simplified flat rate for sellers using external fulfilment channels like Easy Ship and Seller Flex, with national shipping rates now starting at ₹65, down from ₹77. While Easy Ship is a fulfilment channel where Amazon collects packages from a sellers’ location and delivers them to customers, as part of Seller Flex, Amazon manages a portion of the sellers’ warehouse as an Amazon fulfilment center.

Additionally, the company has reduced the weight handling fees for lightweight items under 1 kg by up to ₹17, lowering the overall fees that sellers pay to Amazon. Sellers shipping more than one product unit at a time stand to see up to 90%+ savings in selling fees on the second unit. These changes will enable sellers to offer a wider selection, competitive offers and grow their business. The revised fees come into effect from April 7, 2025.

Amit Nanda, Director, Selling Partner Services, Amazon India, said "At Amazon India, we are committed to enabling the growth of all sellers because we strongly believe that our success lies in their success. By eliminating referral fees on crores of products and reducing shipping costs, we're making it more lucrative for sellers to sell on Amazon.in. This initiative supports seller growth on Amazon by enabling them to offer a wider selection and present more competitive offers to customers, particularly on everyday low-value items. As we gain efficiencies in our operations, we ensure those benefits reach our sellers and customers.”

The combined effect of eliminated referral fees and reduced shipping costs translates to substantial savings for sellers.

In 2013, Amazon started its e-commerce business in India with just 100 sellers and a selection comprising mainly books, with deliveries in select cities. Today, Amazon.in has over 1.6 million sellers on its marketplace selling a wide variety of products from smartphones to household items, from stationery to kitchen products and from gardening tools to musical instruments to customers across all serviceable pin-codes in India. The company has been focused on digitizing small businesses to enable the largest selection, using technology to remove inefficiencies and deliver value to customers. This aligns with Amazon's vision of transforming the way India buys and sells. More than 90% of sellers on Amazon.in are small and medium businesses, and over 50% of the seller base is located in tier 2, 3, and 4 cities. This reflects Amazon's commitment to empowering local entrepreneurs and businesses across India, contributing to the growth of India’s digital economy.

Glossary:

• Easy Ship: Amazon collects packages from sellers' locations and delivers them to customers.
• Seller Flex: Amazon manages a portion of the seller's warehouse as an Amazon fulfilment center.
• Selling Fee: A combination of all fee types - referral fees, weight handling fees, closing fees and others.
• Weight Handling Fee: Charges associated with the physical handling and shipping of products based on weight.
• External Fulfilment: External fulfilment channels refer to Easy Ship and Seller Flex fulfilment channels.

Amazon Promotes Entrepreneurship and Financial Literacy for 30,000 Women and Young People

‘Entrepreneurship for Enablement’ program has a vision to enable and transform local businesses, providing them with financial and digital literacy and opportunities to become sellers on ecommerce platforms, ensuring long term success of this innovative enterprise

Amazon India announced the launch of a three-year programme “Entrepreneurship for Enablement” to help 30,000 women and young people learn about starting their own business and managing their finances. The programme will run in collaboration with ACCESS Development Services, a livelihoods support organization with focus on incubating innovations for sustainable livelihoods. Co-created and funded by Amazon, the initiative will run across the states of Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra. The launch event in Gurugram on March 20, 2025, brought together key stakeholders including officials from Development Department, Gurugram, Reserve Bank of India, The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) and Rural Development & Self Employment Training Institute (RUDSETI), who discussed opportunities and challenges in the development of entrepreneurs.

With a focus on women’s entrepreneurship, the programme aims to provide business development training and support to up to 3,000 entrepreneurs through structured mentorship programs. Additionally, the program plans to offer digital literacy training for up to 24,000 participants focusing on smartphone usage, while facilitating digital payment platform training for up to 22,000 individuals.

The program will also support the establishment of 1,200 new enterprises, with 80% expected to achieve INR 1 lakh annual revenue by their third year. It will also develop 10 model enterprises, half of which will be women-led, which are expected to generate INR 10 to 25 lakhs in annual turnover and create new employment opportunities. The programme will also aim to create opportunities for these entrepreneurs to sell offline as well as online.

Mr. Vipin Sharma, CEO, ACCESS Development Services said, "Empowering women entrepreneurs is crucial to unlocking India's economic resilience and achieving its $5 trillion aspiration. Our 'Entrepreneurship for Enablement' initiative with Amazon aims to bridge critical gaps, equipping women and youth with skills, finance, and digital tools to establish thriving businesses. Together, we can catalyze a wave of women-led enterprises, driving sustainable growth, unlocking new opportunities, and harnessing the gender dividend for a more inclusive economy."

Dr Karuna Shankar Pande, Vice President, Amazon Logistics India said, “Entrepreneurship is a key driver of economic growth, and through this initiative, we aim to equip women and young people with the resources and skills they need to build sustainable businesses. Through this initiative, we aim to augment India’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, unlocking economic opportunities and empowering tens of thousands of individuals to become self-reliant by 2027. Our community impact initiatives like these are designed to empower the communities we serve in, enabling digital and financial inclusion and also ensuring long-term opportunities and benefits for them.”

The project will be implemented and scaled across 3 States (cluster of 5 to 8 villages) while maintaining a dual focus on knowledge building and enterprise development.

In Haryana, the project will focus on three clusters in the Farukhnagar and Taoru areas of Gurgaon district, specifically targeting Jamalpur, Sehsola, Binola, and Bhora Kalan. These locations have the potential for the growth of agricultural enterprises, food manufacturing units, retail businesses, handicrafts, and beauty services.

In Uttar Pradesh, the initiative will concentrate on two key clusters—Bhaukapur in Lucknow and Bajhera in Unnao, where there is significant scope for traditional handicrafts like chikankari and terracotta work, along with banking correspondent units, retail stores, garment businesses, and food service establishments.

In Maharashtra, the project will operate across three clusters in the Bhiwandi area. The focus will be on developing businesses around traditional handicrafts such as pottery and warli paintings, power loom units, food manufacturing, and service-oriented businesses such as tutoring and catering services. The geographies of the project aim to cater to diverse entrepreneurial opportunities while building on existing skills and market potential in each region.

Amazon India is committed to being a force for good in our communities. Since 2014, our community engagement has evolved to address key social needs, from education and livelihoods to health, environmental sustainability, and disaster response. Today, we focus on food and nutrition security, livelihoods, and associate welfare through structured, long-term programs. By collaborating with NGOs, local ambassadors, and community stakeholders, we strive to create lasting, meaningful impact.

Amazon India’s ElevateHER 2025 Empowers Women Through Speed Mentoring and Career Development

On the occasion of International Women’s Day (IWD) 2025, Amazon India celebrated ‘Amazon ElevateHER 2025’ - an initiative designed to empower women through mentorship and career development opportunities. Aligned with this year’s global IWD theme, ‘Accelerate Action’, the event, held in Bangalore, brought together Amazon leaders and aspiring professionals for insightful discussions on mentorship, allyship and sponsorship for career growth. ElevateHER 2025 reflects Amazon’s commitment to gender equality and providing women with the tools and resources needed to reach their full potential.

A key highlight of the event was the speed mentoring session, where over 100 women from diverse backgrounds engaged in focused conversations with Amazon leaders on career growth, leadership development and building confidence to advance professionally. Further enriching the event was a fireside chat on ‘’Guiding Light: Sponsorship, Resilience, and Empowering Women to Rise’’ featuring actor and author Sonali Bendre and Deepti Varma, VP - HR/ People eXperience and Technology, Amazon India, Japan and Emerging Markets.

Group Pic (Deepti Varma, VP, PxT, Amazon Stores India, Japan and Emerging Markets and Sonali Bendre, Actor and Author)

Deepti Varma, VP-PXT, Amazon Stores India and Emerging Markets and Sonali Bendre, Actor and Author

"At Amazon, we're building a culture where everyone can thrive. Our approach has evolved from mentorship to allyship and sponsorship, creating a support system for career advancement. Our leaders champion initiatives for employees, associates, and partners that foster growth within Amazon. ElevateHER 2025 aims to equip women from diverse backgrounds with skills and the network they need to achieve their career goals and we are excited with the opportunity the speed mentoring sessions offered to these aspiring professionals,’’ said Deepti Varma, VP of HR/ People eXperience and Technology, Amazon India, Japan and Emerging Markets.

Empowering women in the workplace isn’t just about opportunity—it’s about creating an environment where confidence, leadership, and growth thrive. Being part of Amazon ElevateHER has been truly inspiring, seeing so many talented women take charge of their careers and break barriers —said Sonali Bendre, Actor and Author.

ElevateHER 2025 featured an engaging lineup of sessions designed to inspire and empower. A thought-provoking panel discussion - "Accelerating Action: Building Resilient Careers" brought together Amazon leaders Gitanjali Bhutani, Director - Software Development, Amazon India; Zeba Khan, Director, Consumer Electronics, Amazon India; Rajeev Sharma, Director-Talent Acquisition, Amazon, and moderated by Neha Gupta Mahatme, Director – Amazon Pay. The panel delved into actionable strategies to accelerate women’s professional growth and strengthen inclusive workplace practices.

Sharing her experience as a participant at the event, Astha Pant said, “Participating in Amazon’s ElevateHER 2025 was a valuable experience. The insights I gained from senior leaders will help me navigate workplace challenges and provided practical strategies for career growth. The mentoring session was more than just advice—it encouraged me to reassess my professional goals, set clearer objectives, and approach my career with greater confidence. I’m grateful for the opportunity to be part of this initiative.’’       

ElevateHER 2025 is just one facet of Amazon India’s ongoing commitment to fostering a more inclusive workplace and empowering women at all levels. The company has implemented a range of comprehensive mentorship and development programs designed to support women's growth, leadership capabilities, and career advancement, both within Amazon and in the broader community. These initiatives are designed to create a strong pipeline of future women leaders:

Amazon Programs for women employees:

• Catapult: In partnership with Harvard Business Publishing Corporate Learning, this program focuses on developing mid-level women managers, equipping them with the skills and knowledge to excel in leadership roles.
• Women in Leadership program (WLP): Tailored support for women in mid-management roles, helping them sharpen their leadership voice, strengthen their professional networks, and develop a broader enterprise mindset.
• Ask Me Anything: Provides fresh women leaders an opportunity to seek guidance from senior women leaders through one-on-one sessions, fostering mentorship and knowledge sharing.
• Listening Circles: Creates a safe space for women employees to engage in open conversations with leaders, fostering a sense of community and providing valuable feedback.
• Amazon Catalyst Program: A developmental initiative that enables Amazon women leaders to leverage the knowledge, experience, learnings and guidance of senior Amazon leaders via 1:1 mentoring to accelerate their growth and professional development.
• Women in Leadership (WIL): WIL is an immersive development program for women enabling them to understand career anchors, identify self-limiting biases and leverage mechanisms across networking, branding and sponsorship.
• ‘Sponsor for Success’ - A recently piloted program, it matches high-performing, underrepresented talent with skip-level leaders as sponsors. Sponsors act as advocates across the leadership chain and connectors to wider networks. They provide tangible feedback for navigating promotions, strengthening skills, and enable crucible experiences for the talent.

Amazon Programs for female students, professionals and the community:

• Amazon WoW: A program designed to support career readiness for women in tech and other careers. WoW will help women expand their network, learn about different career paths, and build their leadership skills. 
• AmazeWIT (Women In Technology): A unique networking and learning event for women in the technology space to connect, engage, educate, and prepare them for successful careers in technology.
• Amazon Saheli: Empowers women entrepreneurs across the country by providing them with a platform to sell their products on Amazon.in, fostering economic independence and growth.

Amazon Future Engineer Scholarships (AFE): A childhood-to-career program focused on providing equitable opportunities in Computer Science education for underprivileged students, with a focus on enabling women's access to technology careers through scholarships and internships.

Amazon To Expand Its Shein & Temu Rival, Globally

Amazon Haul is a relatively new initiative by Amazon, designed to cater to budget-conscious consumers by offering ultra-low-priced products. Launched in beta for U.S. customers in late 2024, Amazon Haul focuses on providing a wide range of products priced at $20 or less, with many items under $10.

The primary goal of Amazon Haul is to compete with other budget-focused e-commerce platforms like Shein and Temu. By offering low-cost items, Amazon aims to attract price-sensitive shoppers who prioritize value over brand names.

Following its initial success in the U.S., Amazon Haul is reportedly expanding to several European countries starting this year, further enhancing its global presence in the e-commerce sector.

Amazon is planning a global expansion of Haul, its discount storefront designed to compete with Shein and PDD's Temu. This expansion will cover several European countries starting this year. Haul offers ultra low-priced items, with most products priced at $20 or less. This move is part of Amazon's strategy to enhance its global presence in the e-commerce sector and diversify its offerings.

The launch of Haul is a strategic pivot for Amazon, aiming to capture the attention of bargain hunters and value-conscious consumers worldwide. By offering a wide range of products at competitive prices, Amazon is positioning itself as a one-stop shop for cost-sensitive shoppers. This expansion is expected to have far-reaching implications on the global e-commerce landscape, potentially filling the market gap left by region-specific bans on platforms like Temu and Shein.

Amazon's international expansion strategy is driven by a calculated analysis of key market indicators, such as population size, internet penetration, and rising disposable incomes in target markets. By meticulously selecting markets with the potential for explosive growth, Amazon aims to replicate its success across continents.

Amazon Haul offers a curated selection of products across various categories, including fashion, home goods, lifestyle, and electronics. The platform has its own distinct search, cart, and checkout system, creating a streamlined experience for those seeking low-cost items. Unlike traditional Amazon purchases, Haul items have longer shipping times, typically ranging from 1-2 weeks. However, all products sold through Amazon Haul are backed by Amazon's A-to-Z Guarantee, ensuring consumer protection.

Amazon Haul represents a strategic shift for Amazon, aiming to capture a growing market of price-sensitive consumers while leveraging the trust and reliability of the Amazon brand.

Amazon's Haul in Asia and India

Amazon is also reportedly planning to expand its Haul discount storefront to Asia and India, aiming to fill the market gap left by platforms like Temu and Shein. This expansion is expected to cater to the growing demand for low-cost retail products in these regions.

In India, Haul is anticipated to compete with local players like Meesho, Uniqlo, and Zudio. The platform's focus on ultra-low-priced items, combined with Amazon's extensive logistics network, is likely to attract a significant customer base. The expansion aligns with Amazon's strategy to enhance its global presence and diversify its offerings in the e-commerce sector.

Shein in Asia, Europe and India

Shein has established a significant presence in Asia, Europe, and the United States, leveraging its innovative business model and efficient supply chain to capture market share. Shein's headquarters are now in Singapore, strategically positioned to navigate international markets and regulatory landscapes. The company has also expanded its logistics capabilities in China, with the Bay Area Smart Industrial Park in Zhaoqing, Guangdong province, adding substantial warehouse space.

In Europe, Shein has offices in key cities like Dublin, Paris, and London. The company has become one of the most visited fashion and apparel websites in the region, outpacing established brands like H&M and Zara.

Shein's sales in countries like France and Germany have surged, positioning it as a leading fashion brand. In France, Shein's annual sales have surpassed those of H&M, Primark, and Kiabi, making it the second-largest fashion brand in the country.

In the United States, Shein has rapidly expanded its presence. With offices in Los Angeles and Washington D.C., Shein has invested in local fulfillment centers to ensure faster delivery times and better customer service.

Shein's sales in the U.S. have seen significant growth, driven by its affordable pricing and trendy fashion offerings. The company's app is one of the most downloaded in the country, highlighting its popularity among American consumers.

Shein has made a comeback in India through a partnership with Reliance Retail, nearly five years after being banned due to data security and privacy concerns. This collaboration allows Shein to operate in India under strict conditions, with Reliance Retail holding full control over operations and data, while Shein functions as a technology partner. The partnership aims to create a local e-commerce platform, offering trendy fashion and competing with brands like Myntra and Zudio.

The strategy includes a tech agreement between Reliance Retail Ventures and Roadget Business Pte Ltd. to connect Indian manufacturers and suppliers to produce Shein-branded products. This move ensures that all customer data is stored in India, with mandatory security audits to maintain compliance. The re-entry of Shein into the Indian market is expected to have a significant impact on the fast-fashion industry, providing consumers with more options and competitive pricing.

Haul Vs Temu & Shein

Amazon Haul, Shein, and Temu are similar platforms offering affordable products, but they have distinct features and challenges.

While Shein specializes in fast fashion, offering trendy and affordable clothing, accessories, and beauty products, Amazon Haul offers a wide variety of goods, including electronics, apparel, and household items. Temu offers a diverse selection of products, including clothing, home goods, electronics, and beauty products, and is known for incredibly low prices, often undercutting other e-commerce giants.

After entering the U.S. market in 2022, Temu has continued to grow, covering numerous countries and regions across Europe, Latin America, Africa, and Oceania. By the end of July 2024, Temu had launched in Thailand, bringing its presence to 79 countries within just two years.

Amazon Announces $1.2 Mn Investment to Preserve Mumbai’s Flamingo Habitat, Restoring Mangrove Forests, Removing Plastic Waste and Supporting Local Communities

Amazon today announced a US$1.2 million investment to restore the mangrove forests and mudflats that are critical foraging for Mumbai’s iconic flamingo population. Working with Hasten Regeneration, a social enterprise and developer of ecosystem restoration projects, the investment will fund the clean-up along the settlements on the Thane Creek in Mumbai and plant mangroves in the nearby state of Gujarat. Amazon is supporting the initiative through its $100 million Right Now Climate Fund, which promotes climate resilience, biodiversity, and nature conservation projects in communities where it operates.

The project will tackle plastic pollution by installing a trash boom that blocks plastic waste from entering the Mumbai basin, where more than 1 million migratory birds – among them flamingos and over 180 other species – stop to feed each season. The goal is to remove at least 150 tons of plastic waste and replant the flamingo feeding grounds, including the stopover sites on the way to the nesting areas in neighbouring Gujarat province. The project also aims to improve the quality of life for the slum settlement on the bank of the Thane Creek, who will benefit from a cleaner environment.

Mangroves can sequester and store up to 10 times more carbon per hectare than mature tropical forests, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The mangrove planting work will also generate employment and opportunities for the rural community in Gujarat, especially female-led planting companies.

“The preservation of Mumbai's flamingo habitat is paramount, not only for the biodiversity it sustains, but also for the communities whose livelihoods depend on it,” said Abhinav Singh, Vice President of Operations, Amazon India. “By joining forces with Hasten Regeneration on this landmark project, we aim to safeguard Mumbai’s flamingo habitat for future generations.”

“This collaborative effort between Amazon and Hasten Regeneration is a game changer for the Mumbai basin. The project cleans up the polluted banks of the Thane Creek, which is one of the most polluted waterways in the world. We are also creating a positive social impact, employing women to replant mangroves in critical stop-over sites for the precious flamingos on the way to their nesting grounds,” said Sheeba Sen, co-founder of Hasten Regeneration’s India branch and Director of Alaap.

"This initiative, aligned with the government's goals under the Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats and Tangible Incomes, will significantly contribute to protecting the habitat of flamingos and other migratory birds by planting 375,000 mangrove shrubs and trees. And with that, it will, over time, build climate resilience for local communities by protecting against storm surges, rising sea levels, and erosion, while also creating multiple sustainable livelihood opportunities” said Shri Mukeshbhai Zinabhai Patel, Minister of Forest and Environment, Climate Change, Water Resources and Water Supply, State of Gujarat.

In 2023, Amazon announced a US$15 million investment from the Right Now Climate Fund to support nature-based projects in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region. Amazon has launched three projects in India including this one, supporting the Centre for Wildlife Studies to plant 300,000 trees in the Western Ghats on the border of tiger and elephant habitat; and working with ICLEI South Asia to launch a network of 75 school gardens to support urban biodiversity and combat child malnutrition, with the aim of providing 15 million meals for children in India’s municipal schools.

About Amazon

Amazon is guided by four principles: customer obsession rather than competitor focus, passion for invention, commitment to operational excellence, and long-term thinking. Amazon strives to be Earth’s Most Customer-Centric Company, Earth’s Best Employer, and Earth’s Safest Place to Work. Customer reviews, 1-Click shopping, personalized recommendations, Prime, Fulfilment by Amazon, AWS, Kindle Direct Publishing, Kindle, Career Choice, Fire tablets, Fire TV, Amazon Echo, Alexa, Just Walk Out technology, Amazon Studios, and The Climate Pledge are some of the things pioneered by Amazon. For more information, visit aboutamazon.in and follow @AmazonNews.

Delhi HC Orders Amazon to Pay $39 Mn to Lifestyle Equities for Trademark Infringement

The Delhi High Court has ordered Amazon to pay $39 million (approximately ₹340 crore) in damages to Lifestyle Equities for infringing on its 'Beverly Hills Polo Club' trademark.

The court found that Amazon Technologies and others used a deceptively similar mark on apparel and other products sold on their platforms. The case was filed by Lifestyle Equities in 2020, and the court issued an interim injunction in October 2020, prohibiting Amazon and others from using the infringing logo.

The detailed order from Justice Prathiba M Singh is awaited.

The court issued an interim injunction in October 2020, prohibiting the use of the infringing logo and instructing Amazon Seller Services to remove the infringing merchandise. Amazon Technologies failed to appear in court and was prosecuted ex-parte.

Amazon Seller Services was removed from the list of parties as they agreed to remove any future listings of infringing products.

Cloudtail India, involved in selling the infringing products, acknowledged its liability and proposed a settlement. The court awarded damages of ₹4,78,484 against Cloudtail, representing 20% of the revenue from infringing products.

This ruling highlights the importance of trademark protection and the legal consequences of infringement.

Amazon has faced several trademark infringement cases over the years, and their responses have varied depending on the specifics of each case.

In 2017, Birkenstock, the German footwear company, accused Amazon of selling counterfeit products on its platform. In response, Birkenstock decided to stop selling its products on Amazon. Amazon took measures to improve its anti-counterfeiting efforts, including enhancing its Brand Registry program to help brands protect their intellectual property.

In 2020, Salvatore Ferragamo, the Italian luxury brand, filed a lawsuit against Amazon for selling counterfeit Ferragamo products. Amazon worked with Ferragamo to identify and remove counterfeit listings and took legal action against counterfeiters. This collaboration led to the seizure of counterfeit goods and the shutdown of counterfeit operations.

In 2019, Nike decided to stop selling its products directly on Amazon, citing concerns over counterfeit goods and unauthorized sellers. Amazon responded by enhancing its anti-counterfeiting measures and working with brands to improve the authenticity of products sold on its platform.

In general, Amazon has taken steps to address trademark infringement by improving its anti-counterfeiting measures, collaborating with brands to remove counterfeit listings, and taking legal action against counterfeiters. However, the effectiveness of these measures has been a subject of ongoing debate and scrutiny.

Amazon Acquires Creative Control of the James Bond Franchise

Amazon MGM Studios (formerly Amazon Studios), an American film and television production and distribution studio announced, has announced the formation of a new joint venture to house the James Bond intellectual property rights, and those parties will remain co-owners of the franchise.

Under the terms of the new venture, Amazon MGM Studios will gain creative control of the James Bond franchise following closing of the transaction.

Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli have been the driving forces behind the James Bond film franchise for decades. With this announcement from Amazon, the both are stepping back from their roles as producers, transitioning into advisory positions. Amazon MGM Studios will now take creative control of the James Bond franchise.

Wilson, who has been involved with the 007 series for nearly 60 years, stated that he will focus on art and charitable projects. Broccoli, whose family legacy has shaped Bond’s cinematic journey, expressed her intention to focus on other projects.

Amazon's control over the James Bond franchise is expected to bring several significant changes. With Amazon at the helm, the franchise might branch out beyond traditional films. This could include spin-off films, TV series, and other media formats, similar to what has been done with the Star Wars and Marvel franchises.

Amazon may push for a quicker turnaround for Bond content. Historically, there has been a considerable gap between Bond films, but Amazon might aim to reduce this time to keep the franchise more active and engaging.

With Amazon's resources and innovative approach, we might see new storylines, characters, and possibly even a different tone or style for future Bond films. This could include exploring backstories of supporting characters like Moneypenny, M, and Q.

Amazon's global platform could help the Bond franchise reach a wider audience, potentially increasing its popularity and influence worldwide.

Some fans and critics are concerned that the franchise might suffer from overexposure or a decline in quality due to the increased volume of content. There is also apprehension about whether the unique charm and prestige of the Bond films will be maintained under corporate control.

Mike Hopkins, head of Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios, said, "Since his theatrical introduction over 60 years ago, James Bond has been one of the most iconic characters in filmed entertainment. . “We are grateful to the late Albert R. Broccoli and Harry Saltzman for bringing James B ond to movie theatres around the world, and to Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli for their unyielding dedication and their role in continuing the legacy of the franchise that is cherished by legions of fans worldwide. We are honoured to continue this treasured heritage, and look forward to ushering in the next phase of the legendary 007 for audiences around the world.”

In 2022, Amazon acquired MGM, including a vast catalog with more than 4,000 films and 17,000 TV shows. Since the MGM acquisition, Amazon has held rights to distribute all of the James Bond films, and as a result of this transaction will have creative control over future productions.

Amazon Announces Three New Renewable Energy Projects in India

The projects are among 53 solar and wind projects helping match the electricity consumed by Amazon’s operations

• These projects are part of Amazon’s efforts to enable new sources of carbon-free energy and meet our Climate Pledge commitments.
• Amazon is the world's leading corporate purchaser of renewable energy for the fifth consecutive year, and is one of the top corporate purchasers in India, according to Bloomberg NEF.

Amazon today announced investments in three new wind projects in India, emphasizing the company’s broader commitment to matching the electricity consumed by our operations with renewable energy, and advancing progress toward its Climate Pledge goals.

Across India, Amazon has now enabled a total of 53 solar and wind projects to date, which together will provide more than 4 million megawatt hours (MWh) of new carbon-free energy in the country, providing sufficient energy capacity to power the equivalent of more than 1.3 million Indian homes. The projects include 9 utility-scale solar and wind farms across the country, as well as onsite solar arrays on 44 local buildings that host Amazon operations.

Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, Hon'ble Union Minister of Railways, Electronics & Information Technology, and Information and Broadcasting, stated,

Under the leadership of Hon'ble PM Shri Narendra Modi ji, India is rapidly emerging as a global leader in the clean energy transition. Investments from companies like Amazon are accelerating this progress. Clean energy is not only about sustainability; it is central to our goal of producing 50% of our electricity from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030. As we expand our digital and transportation infrastructure, renewable energy will play a crucial role in powering the next wave of connectivity and innovation.

Shri Shripad Yesso Naik, Hon’ble Minister of State of Power and New and Renewable Energy, said, 

I welcome Amazon's continued commitment to India's renewable energy transition. Investments in wind and solar projects are crucial for achieving our renewable energy targets and ensuring energy security. These projects will not only contribute to a cleaner environment but also generate employment and foster economic growth in local communities. The Government of India remains committed in its efforts to support such initiatives, and I encourage other global corporations to invest in our green energy future.

“Amazon is committed to driving the carbon-free energy transition forward in both India and around the world, which will help us all address climate change at scale,” said Avinash Shekhar, Head, APJC Energy and Water Strategy, AWS. “As the top corporate purchaser of solar and wind since 2020, we’ve invested in more than 600 solar and wind projects globally, including more than 50 in India, which is part of our Climate Pledge commitment to attempt to reach net zero carbon emissions across our operations by 2040.”

The latest projects that Amazon has signed include three new wind energy projects, which are CleanMax Koppal, BluPine Solapur, and JSW Energy Dharapuram. CleanMax Koppal is a 100 Mega Watt (MW) wind farm located in Karnataka. BluPine is also a 99 MW wind project located in Maharashtra. The JSW Energy Dharapuram is a 180 MW wind project is located in Tamil Nadu, South India.

These projects will contribute to India's renewable energy goals and help create numerous construction jobs in their respective regions, according to the developers.

Supporting local communities

Amazon is proud to have met its 100% renewable energy goal seven years early in 2023, and has invested in more than 600 projects globally, which are capable of producing enough renewable energy to power the equivalent of 8.3 million US homes. The renewable energy projects Amazon supports not only help match the electricity consumed by our operations, but also provide new sources carbon-free energy to the local communities where our customers, vendors, and employees live and work. They also help create jobs, support local businesses, and boost the local tax base, which are all part of Amazon’s commitment to become a more sustainable company.

Amazon Reaches More than 10,000 EVs in Its Delivery Fleet Across India; Begins Testing Electric Heavy Goods Vehicles

• The company met its goal of deploying more than 10,000 electric vehicles (EVs) in 2024 – a year ahead of schedule
• Indian vehicle manufacturers, charging infrastructure providers, and its Delivery Service Partners worked with Amazon to achieve the goal
• The company is working on further electrifying its delivery fleet, testing electric heavy goods vehicles between Bengaluru and Chennai.

Amazon today announced that it had passed its goal of reaching 10,000 electric vehicles (EVs) in its India delivery fleet, more than a year earlier than planned, in October 2024. The EVs are making deliveries in Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru – and a total of 500 cities from Leh to Gangtok.

Achieving this goal more than a year early is an important milestone in Amazon’s efforts to meet its Climate Pledge commitment of net-zero carbon emissions across its operations by 2040, 10 years ahead of the Paris Agreement. The achievement reduces carbon emissions by taking traditional diesel vehicles off Indian roads.

Abhinav Singh - VP Operations, Amazon India and Kara Hurst, Chief Sustainability Officer, Amazon with Amazon EV fleet and Delivery Associates celebrating 10,000 EVs goal a year early

Amazon continues to make progress in decarbonising its fleet and is the first e-commerce company to test long-range electric heavy trucks along the 350km Bengaluru-Chennai highway under The Climate Pledge’s Laneshift Initiative. The project brings together industry leaders including Amazon, Ashok Leyland, Billion-E, and ChargeZone to explore the potential of long-range electric freight transportation.

Shri Kirtivardhan Singh, Minister of State for Environment, Forest & Climate Change and Minister of State for External Affairs, delivering keynote at Amazon India Sustainability Summit 2024

As well as bringing together vehicle manufacturers and charging infrastructure providers, Amazon and The Climate Pledge have enabled hundreds of new jobs in India, thanks to collaboration with Delivery Service Providers, fleet operators, and finance providers.

Abhinav Singh, Vice President, Operations at Amazon India, said: “Having more than 10,000 electric vehicles in our fleet and successfully testing long-range electric trucks are achievements that we are very proud of at Amazon. As a company and as a country, we must transition to zero tailpipe emission trucks to meet India’s net-zero goals and cut reliance on diesel freight. The logistics industry still faces limited charging infrastructure and range anxiety, and we are excited to continue to work with the government and key players in the industry to find solutions.”

Amazon has developed custom EVs through collaborations with leading manufacturers like Volvo Eicher, Tata Motors, Mahindra Electric, Ashok Leyland and Altigreen. The company enables affordable financing for electric two-wheelers, three-wheelers and trucks, helping to lower adoption barriers among Delivery Service Providers and Delivery Associates, working with fintech firms including Risewise, VidyutTech, cKers, Turn0, NBFCs, lending institutions and the Small Industries Development Bank of India. The company has also collaborated with government initiatives like "Shoonya" and NITI-Aayog's e-FAST program.

Amazon Acquires ~ $54 Mn Land Near Mumbai for Hyperscale Data Centre

Amazon India has recently acquired a 38.18-acre land parcel in Palava, near Mumbai, from the Lodha Group (Macrotech Developers) for over INR 450 crore (approximately $54 million), reported Economic Times citing documents accessed through realty data analytics firm Propstack.

This land will be used to develop a hyperscale data centre, which is part of Amazon's broader commitment to enhancing India's digital infrastructure.

As part of the deal, Amazon Data Services India will also get access to the already sanctioned floor space index—permissible development potential—of around 4.16 million sq ft.

Key Details:

• Land Size: 38.18 acres
• Location: Palava, near Mumbai
• Cost: Over INR 450 crore
• Development Potential: Approximately 4.16 million sq ft of floor space index (FSI). 

This acquisition underscores Amazon's commitment to India's digital transformation and its plans to invest $12.7 billion in cloud infrastructure by 2030.

The development of this data centre will support the growing demand for reliable data storage and processing capabilities in India, benefiting various sectors such as payments, gaming, and emerging technologies like the Metaverse.

Amazon India has been actively expanding its data centre infrastructure across the country. Last year, Amazon Data Services India leased a 4-acre land parcel in Powai from Larsen & Toubro (L&T) through an 18-year lease, committing to INR 562 crore in rental payments.

In 2022, Amazon acquired a 54-acre land parcel in Thane for INR 1,870 crore to develop another hyperscale data centre. Amazon also signed an agreement to lease an additional 5.5-acre land parcel adjacent to the Powai site for INR 921 crore over 21.5 years.

Prior to these acquisitions, Amazon leased a commercial tower with a built-up area of 451,000 sq ft in Thane through a long-term sublease of over 15 years.

These investments are part of Amazon's broader commitment to India's digital transformation and supporting the growing digital economy.

Amazon Expand Partnership With India Post to Unlock Deliveries Across All of India’s Serviceable Pin Codes, Even in the Remotest Areas

Amazon India and India Post have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to boost nationwide delivery capabilities. This collaboration aims to enhance Amazon's reach, especially in remote and rural areas, by leveraging India Post's extensive last-mile delivery network.

Amazon will tap into India Post's vast postal network to facilitate deliveries across every pin code in the country.

Under the MoU signed, Amazon India and India Post aim to collaborate to harness the postal service's extensive last-mile delivery network, enabling Amazon to enhance the speed, efficiency, and reach of its deliveries, especially in remote and rural areas, which is about 19,300 pin-codes and Army pin-codes across India. 

Notably, Amazon and India Post have been partners since 2013, and this MoU further strengthens their collaboration.

In 2014, Amazon India launched a pilot project to test India Post’s cash on delivery model, and eventually became the first e-commerce company to enable an end-to-end integrated cash-on-delivery solution with India Post. This along with overall improvements has resulted in an almost 3x increase in the volume of Amazon parcels being delivered via India Post in the past 18 months.

Both companies will closely synchronize operations to maximize efficiencies, optimize resource utilization, and explore capacity sharing across their logistics networks.

Amazon has enabled an end-to-end integrated cash-on-delivery solution with India Post, which has significantly increased the volume of Amazon parcels being delivered via India Post.

Over the years, this India Post-Amazon collaboration has hit several milestones—from Amazon India becoming the only e-commerce company to serve Army-restricted locations through the Army Postal Service, to serving customers in remote locations such as Leh’s Nubra Valley, the South Garo hills in Meghalaya, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, among others.

This partnership is expected to improve delivery speed, efficiency, and reach, benefiting both Amazon and its customers.