Post by : Rohit Dhiman

Samsung India’s head of public affairs and ESG, Rajiv Aggarwal, has resigned from the company after nearly four years in the role, according to two sources familiar with his departure. Aggarwal, 57, is currently serving his final week at Samsung India, the sources said. He was responsible for managing the South Korean technology company’s relationship with the Indian government and handling important policy and regulatory matters. The reason behind his resignation has not been disclosed. Aggarwal declined to comment on his departure, while Samsung Electronics did not immediately respond to questions about the development.

Rajiv Aggarwal’s Role at Samsung

Aggarwal joined Samsung after working in both the public and private sectors. Before moving to the company, the former Indian bureaucrat held positions at technology and business companies including Uber and Meta. During his time at Samsung India, his responsibilities included dealing with government policies and regulatory issues affecting the company’s operations in one of its key markets. His departure comes at a time when Samsung India and other major technology companies are dealing with several policy-related issues in the country.

Privacy Concerns Over Government Apps

One of the recent issues involving Samsung and Apple has been the Indian government’s push for manufacturers to pre-install certain state-run applications on smartphones. The companies opposed the proposal, citing concerns related to user privacy. The issue highlighted the growing importance of government regulation, data protection and privacy for global technology companies operating in India. Samsung’s public policy team has played an important role in managing such matters and maintaining communication with government authorities.

E-Waste Policy Also Faces Legal Challenge

Samsung is also among companies that have challenged an Indian government policy concerning electronic waste. The policy increases the payments businesses are required to make to electronic-waste recyclers. Companies have raised concerns about the financial implications of the rules and have taken the matter to court. The development adds to the regulatory challenges facing Samsung Electronics as it continues to expand its business and manufacturing presence in India.

Samsung’s Position in India’s Smartphone Market

Samsung remains one of the biggest smartphone brands in India. The company currently holds a 16.2 per cent share of the country’s smartphone market, putting it level with Oppo and just behind market leader Vivo. Samsung had occupied the top position in India’s smartphone market in 2023, underlining the importance of the country to its global business strategy. The company has invested heavily in India across manufacturing, smartphones, consumer electronics and other technology products.

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What Happens Next?

With Aggarwal leaving his position, Samsung will need to determine who will take charge of its public affairs and government relations activities in India. His departure comes as technology companies face increasing scrutiny over privacy, electronic waste, digital regulations and other government policies. For Samsung, maintaining effective communication with Indian authorities is particularly important because of the size of the country’s consumer market and its growing importance as a manufacturing and technology hub.

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