Fast-growing Chinese device maker Xiaomi shipped 26.1 million smartphones in the first half of 2014, a 271 per cent increase year-on-year – making its ambitious goal of 60 million units this year look a very real possibility.

Total revenue for the period was CNY33 billion, a 149 per cent increase. The company does not give figures for profit (or indeed loss).

While Xiaomi had initially stated its target for 2014 was 40 million units, subsequent reports said that Lei Jun, its co-founder and CEO, had increased this to 60 million, on the way to 100 million in 2015.

Aiding the company’s growth is its expansion into international markets, with recent debuts in Singapore and Malaysia expanding its presence beyond the Greater China region.

According to reports this week, it is also set to sign a deal with Indian e-commerce company Flipkart, which will see the launch of Xiaomi smartphones in the fast-growing market.

But the company is likely to see fierce competition from local rivals in the price-sensitive market, such as Micromax, Karbonn and Spice.

Times of India said that Motorola is also among the vendors that has teamed with Flipkart to offer devices.

Lin Bin, co-founder and president of Xiaomi, keynoted at the recent Mobile Asia Expo – watch the video here.