By Saurav Mehra Yes, Wipro is an Indian company. The remarkable part of its journey is that Wipro grew from a small vegetable oil manufacturer into one of India’s most respected global technology companies.
Wipro Limited was established in India and has its headquarters in Bengaluru, Karnataka. It provides information technology, consulting and business services to customers worldwide. Although Wipro operates in many countries and earns significant revenue from overseas markets, its origin, ownership and corporate identity remain Indian.
Quick Overview of Wipro
| Detail | Information |
| Official name | Wipro Limited |
| Country of origin | India |
| Founded | 1945 |
| Founder | Mohamed Premji |
| Headquarters | Bengaluru, Karnataka |
| Executive chairman | Rishad Premji |
| CEO and managing director | Srini Pallia |
| Founder chairman | Azim Premji |
| Industry | Information technology and consulting |
| Stock listings | NSE, BSE and NYSE |
| Indian company | Yes |
About Wipro
Wipro Limited is a major multinational technology services and consulting company. It helps businesses improve their performance through software development, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, cybersecurity, data analytics, engineering and digital transformation.
Its customers belong to industries such as banking, insurance, healthcare, retail, manufacturing, energy, communication and transportation. Wipro develops technology solutions and also manages important business operations for its clients.
The company has offices and delivery centres across six continents. However, its registered office and principal corporate headquarters remain in India.
History of Wipro
Wipro was founded by Mohamed Premji on December 29, 1945, in Amalner, Maharashtra. Its original name was Western India Vegetable Products Limited. The company initially manufactured vegetable oil and cooking products. It later entered the soap and consumer goods business.
The name “Wipro” was formed from the words “Western India Products.”
After Mohamed Premji died in 1966, his son Azim Premji returned to India and took charge of the company. He was only 21 years old at the time. Under his leadership, Wipro expanded into electrical equipment, personal care products and several other industries.
During the 1980s, Wipro entered the computer hardware and information technology sector. This decision completely changed the company’s future. Wipro gradually moved from manufacturing computers to providing software development, consulting and technology services.
Azim Premji led this transformation and helped Wipro become one of India’s leading IT companies.
Who Owns Wipro?
Wipro Limited is a publicly listed Indian company. Its shares are traded on the National Stock Exchange and Bombay Stock Exchange. Its American Depositary Shares are also listed on the New York Stock Exchange.
The Premji family and its associated promoter entities remain the controlling shareholders. The remaining shares are held by retail investors, mutual funds, Indian financial institutions and foreign institutional investors.
Rishad Premji, the son of Azim Premji, serves as the executive chairman of Wipro. Srini Pallia is the company’s chief executive officer and managing director. Azim Premji remains associated with Wipro as its founder chairman and a non-executive director.
Wipro’s Indian and Global Operations
Wipro has large offices and technology centres in Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Pune, Mumbai, Noida, Gurugram and Kolkata. It employs thousands of Indian engineers, consultants, developers and other professionals.
The company also operates in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, Germany, Singapore, Saudi Arabia and many other countries. This international presence makes Wipro an Indian multinational company, not a foreign company.
Wipro currently focuses strongly on artificial intelligence, cloud services, engineering, cybersecurity and business transformation. Its major Indian competitors include Tata Consultancy Services, Infosys, HCLTech and Tech Mahindra.
Wipro Limited and Wipro Enterprises
Wipro Limited should not be confused with Wipro Enterprises. The two became separate companies after a business demerger in 2013.
Wipro Limited primarily provides technology and consulting services. Wipro Enterprises operates businesses related to consumer products, lighting, personal care and industrial engineering. Both have Indian roots and connections with the Premji promoter group, but they are separate corporate organisations.
Final Answer
Wipro is an Indian company. It was founded in Maharashtra in 1945 and is headquartered in Bengaluru, Karnataka. Its Indian promoter group controls the business, and its shares are listed on Indian stock exchanges. Wipro’s extensive overseas operations make it a global technology company, but its origin, ownership and corporate identity remain firmly Indian.