Centre Moves To Build Indian Alternatives To Foreign Digital And Social Media Platforms: Report

After a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 6 October, top bureaucrats have reportedly been instructed to promote development of India’s indigenous digital and social media platforms, Indian Express reported, citing sources.

According to the IE report, Cabinet Secretary T V Somanathan, on 9 October, wrote to Secretaries of all ministries, asking them to “initiate action” on key points discussed during the meeting with the PM.

The Cabinet Secretary reportedly told officials to promote an “ecosystem” for domestic development of digital platforms and infrastructure, and to train youth in building such technologies locally.

Somanathan reportedly also highlighted that “reverse engineering” could serve as a valuable tool for technological advancement.

The broader agenda includes reviewing government communication strategies and upgrading sectors from tourism to higher education to meet global standards.

The push gains urgency as India’s internet user base hit 969.1 million by March 2025, with most relying on foreign platforms like Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube, and X.

The initiative aligns with the launch of Indian apps such as Zoho’s messaging platform Arattai, which is gaining traction despite concerns over privacy and security.

IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Home Minister Amit Shah have recently switched to Zoho’s services, signaling government support for homegrown technology.

The directive also comes amid strained US-India ties following Washington’s 50 per cent tariff on Indian goods, reinforcing PM Modi’s repeated calls to adopt swadeshi products.

Ministries have been asked to establish real-time communication mechanisms, feature Indian institutions and professionals in global rankings, reorient PhD programs to foster innovation, and encourage domestic manufacturing to promote “Atmanirbharta” and reduce imports.

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