Wal-Mart has outlined more details on their plans to open stores in India by 2008. Through a joint-venture with India’s Bharti group, the retailer looks to launch in India in 2008 with 75 stores projected within 5-7 years.

India has some pretty tough regulations over the retail/wholesale industry which prevent foreign based companies from establishing shop in the country without going through a joint-venture with an India-based company. Wal-Mart’s intentions to enter the market there have been known for a few months, but on Thursday of last week, more details emerged.

The retailer has it’s sights set on a mid-2008 launch in India, through a joint-venture with Bharti group. The New Delhi-based conglomerate operates India’s largest mobile phone company, Bharti Airtel. After the 2008 launch, plans call for 75 stores within 5-7 years.

Wal-Mart’s international division has had some tough times in some new markets. 2006 saw Wal-Mart pulling out of Germany. How well will the locals embrace Wal-Mart in India?

One bit of information that I find interesting is that the “venture would import only 10 percent of its goods, and source half of the goods from the city where it is located or nearby areas” (source, CNN/Money). Is this an attempt, from the retailer, in playing nice?