<P> India has an internet users base of about 450 million as of July 2017, 40% of the population. . Despite being the second - largest userbase in world, only behind China (650 million, 48% of population), the penetration of e-commerce is low compared to markets like the United States (266 million, 84%), or France (54 M, 81%), but is growing at an unprecedented rate, adding around 6 million new entrants every month . The industry consensus is that growth is at an inflection point . </P> <P> In India, cash on delivery is the most preferred payment method, accumulating 75% of the e-retail activities . Demand for international consumer products (including long - tail items) is growing much faster than in - country supply from authorised distributors and e-commerce offerings . </P>

When was e commerce first introduced in india