Flipkart's moves are being seen as efforts to protect its turf in the $3 billion Indian e-commerce market that is witnessing aggressive competition from global giant Amazon and peers like Snapdeal.

Led by increasing Internet penetration and youngsters shopping online, India's e-commerce market has seen huge growth in the past few years. As more people log on to the Internet to shop, it is estimated to expand over seven-fold to $22 billion by 2018.

Flipkart had a 4.9 per cent market share in 2013, while Amazon and eBay had 1.6 per cent and 1.2 percent share respectively.

Flipkart, which started in 2007 as an online bookstore, sells products across categories, including fashion and electronics. It also sells white goods and furniture.

While apparel and electronics are bestsellers for most e-commerce firms, categories such as home decor and household items are also popular.

"We believe the Internet will improve the quality of life for millions of Indians, and e-commerce is going to play a huge role in this change," Bansal said.

The company also plans to hire 1,000 engineers with an eye on expanding its R&D capabilities and is also looking at roping in mobile and technology experts from Silicon Valley.

"By 2020, India will have more than half a billion mobile Internet users. Our intense focus on mobile and technology puts us in a unique position to take advantage of this massive opportunity," said Bansal.

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