In what could be one of the most emotional comebacks in India’s smartphone history, HTC is gearing up for a bold re-entry into the Indian market — and the man steering the ship is Krishan Kalra, Founder of Nextbot Communications. With successful HTC launches in the UAE and plans unfolding rapidly across Nepal, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, the stage is now set for India’s festive season to welcome a brand that once defined what Android could be.
We sat down for an in-depth conversation with Krishan Kalra, where he opened up about HTC’s revival strategy, Nextbot’s rise as a regional tech force, and what this means for Indian consumers and the broader smartphone landscape.
🎤 Q1: First of all, congratulations on the UAE expansion and the upcoming launches in Nepal, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia! How exciting is this phase for Nextbot?
Krishan Kalra: Thank you! Honestly, we’re absolutely fired up. The response to the HTC launch in the UAE was phenomenal — we saw a deep, almost nostalgic interest in the brand. What excites us even more is the level of anticipation in other markets like Nepal and Saudi Arabia. These aren’t just launches for us; they’re milestones in what we believe is a larger mission — to bring back brands people genuinely connect with.
🎤 Q2: Speaking of connection — HTC’s return to India is making a lot of noise. Why is now the right time, and why Q4 2025?
Krishan: There’s something very emotional about HTC and India. When we launched in Dubai, I was overwhelmed by DMs and emails from Indian users sharing stories of their first HTC phone. For many, it wasn’t just a device — it was their entry into premium Android.
So why Q4? Honestly, we’re flooded with work right now — our teams are in full throttle with launches in Saudi, Qatar, and Nepal through Q3. India is home for us. It deserves more focus, respect, and a thoughtful strategy. By Q4, we’ll be ready — not just with products, but with a strong, India-specific portfolio and robust partnerships in place.
🎤 Q3: Let’s talk about that India portfolio. What can consumers expect from HTC this time around?
Krishan: We’re being strategic. We’re kicking off with the Wildfire series, aimed between ₹8,000–₹30,000 — the sweet spot for value-conscious consumers who still want quality. Tablets, TWS earbuds, and fast-charging accessories will follow. Think of it as building blocks — we begin with accessible products and then reintroduce the iconic HTC U series when the market timing aligns.
🎤 Q4: You mentioned preparing a new roadmap for India. What are the core pillars this time around?
Krishan: The strategy rests on four major pillars:
- Product-Market Fit – Devices that match Indian consumer expectations on price, performance, and design.
- Digital-First Distribution – Leveraging e-commerce and quick-commerce platforms for deep reach.
- Localized After-Sales – We’re working on a regional warranty covering India, Nepal, UAE, Qatar, and more. That’s a game-changer.
Brand Nostalgia + Fresh Start – HTC is iconic, but we’re not relying on the past. The new HTC will speak the language of today’s users.
🎤 Q5: How important is Nextbot’s role in shaping HTC’s India relaunch?
Krishan: It’s core to our DNA. We’re not just bringing HTC to market — we’re helping co-develop the India roadmap. From product curation to channel strategy, we’re involved end-to-end. Our job is to build a sustainable ecosystem — not just to launch, but to last.
Over the next 90–120 days, we’ll have HTC live in Nepal, Saudi and Qatar. Every market we enter adds insights we channel back into the India plan. We’re building something long-term.
🎤 Q6: What are some learnings from the UAE and other markets that you’re applying to India?
Krishan: Great question. One big learning is this: value matters everywhere, but the definition of value changes with geography.
In the UAE, we focused on retail presence and E-commerce and have already secured 700+ store placements. In India, we need a hybrid — strong presence on E-commerce, yes, but also deep quick-commerce tie-ups.
Another major insight? Consumers want cross-border convenience. That’s why we’re working on a regional warranty model that spans India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Saudi, UAE, and Qatar — perfect for people who travel or gift phones.
🎤 Q7: You already have partnerships with platforms like Amazon and Flipkart. How are you leveraging them for HTC?
Krishan: We’re already in discussions with all major e-commerce and Q-commerce players. We’re also talking to quick-commerce platforms to make sure HTC products are available even faster — possibly same-day delivery in key metros. Expect more details by August or September.
🎤 Q8: Beyond India — What’s the long-term vision?
Krishan: Our vision is bold but simple — build a technology company from India. We’ve been growing 30% YoY for the last 3 years. From 700 retail stores in the UAE to pilots with Noon.com, to developing our own audio and power accessories — it’s all part of a broader strategy.
In the next 24–36 months, we want to:
- Scale to 3,000 stores across UAE, Saudi, Nepal, and Qatar.
- Build an in-house product portfolio in audio, power, and home category.
- Expand our global distribution network for partner brands and Nextbot alike.
🎤 Q9: How do you plan to address the local needs of diverse markets like India and Africa?
Krishan: Customization is key. India and Africa need different smartphone SKUs, different price points, and different outreach styles. For example, we’re doing groundwork in Nigeria and Kenya now — co-developing customer engagement plans with local teams.
In other categories like accessories, the core product can remain the same with tweaks for local usability — cable length, plug types, packaging language, etc.
🎤 Q10: Looking ahead — what are the biggest milestones for Nextbot and HTC over the next 12 months?
Krishan: A few big ones:
- Q3 2025: HTC launches in Nepal, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia
- July 2025: Launch of Nextbot-branded audio & power accessories
- Q4 2025: HTC India Re-launch with the Wildfire series
- 2026: Launch of the regional warranty across all 6 countries
🎤 Q11: Final question — what’s your message to Indian consumers waiting for HTC’s return?
Krishan: Let’s celebrate this year’s Diwali together. HTC is coming back — not as a memory, but as a modern, value-packed, and emotionally resonant brand.
We’ve heard you. We’re building this for you. And we can’t wait to show you what’s next.
Conclusion:
HTC’s re-entry into India isn’t just about nostalgia — it’s about trusting a legacy, learning from the past, and crafting something future-ready. With Nextbot’s aggressive regional strategy and clear execution playbook, Diwali 2025 may just mark the rebirth of a beloved brand in India’s crowded smartphone market.
