"On our entry (into India) concerns were raised and we have been constantly trying to educate customers, bureaucracy and political parties that Wal-Mart is engaged only in the back-end operations where 100 per cent FDI is allowed," Wal-Mart India chief Raj Jain told PTI.

Jain also sought to allay apprehensions about opposition from the political class, and those relating to the fact that even UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi had written to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh over concerns raised in various quarters at the time of announcement of Wal-Mart's India plans.

"My experience with India has been (that) irrespective of the party in government reforms have continued. And we are absolutely within the realms of existing law of the land."

Asked if it was a big challenge for Wal-Mart to convince that the company was not circumventing any law to enter the retail business, Jain said, "people are not willing to see beyond the obvious... so it is a big challenge".

He said law in India was very clear and so was its deal and joint venture with Bharti Enterprises.

"We are not retailing. We are only in supply chain and business-to- business wholesale operations catering to small kirana stores, business owners and restaurants among others."

Wal-Mart has entered into agreement with Bharti for a 50:50 joint venture to start cash and carry operations. The US firm will also provide technical assistance to Bharti for its retail venture.

Bharti Wal-Mart Pvt Ltd, the joint venture, plans to open up to 15 wholesale stores in big cities in next 5-7 years and will expand later.