British retailer Marks & Spencer (M&S) says India is its fastest growing market in Asia and it plans to double its presence there.

M&S is targeting around 80 stores in the market by 2016, as part of its ongoing strategy to become a leading international, multi-channel retailer.

The plan is to double its presence in India with its partner Reliance Retail to see the country become M&S’s largest international market outside of the UK.

“India is a priority market for M&S and working closely together with our partner Reliance Retail we have set a clear plan to build a leadership position here,” said M&S CEO Marc Bolland.

The retailer recently opened a 35,000 sqft over five floors store in Bandra in Mumbai, its largest store in India. The store offers its most extensive range of products including over 300 exclusive products such as its Savile Row Inspired collection and per una Speziale.

M&S formed its joint venture partnership with Reliance Retail in 2008 and now has 36 stores in India.

As part of its plans to take its business in India to the next level, M&S will open a further eight stores by the end of March 2014, followed by a further 36 stores in the next two years.