Archive · 6 Nov 2025
Zoho Founder Calls for National Tech Resilience Mission
Imagine India relies a lot on toys made by a big company in America.
If that company stops sharing the toys, India might have a big problem.
Zoho's founder, Sridhar Vembu, is saying this is happening with technology, like the computer systems (operating systems) and the tiny chips that make everything work.
He thinks India needs a 10-year plan, like a special project, to start making its own technology.
He believes India can do it, just like it learned to build its own rockets and nuclear power.
Zoho is already making some of its own apps, like a messaging app called Arattai.
This is important so India isn't left behind if other countries decide to stop sharing their technology.
Zoho founder Sridhar Vembu warns of India's deep technological dependency on the US, extending beyond apps to critical areas like operating systems and chips.
He proposes a 10-year 'National Mission for Tech Resilience' to foster self-reliance and safeguard India's digital future.
Vembu's call was prompted by concerns over potential US technology bans due to geopolitical tensions, highlighting risks to sectors like e-commerce and governance.
He draws inspiration from India's successful self-reliance in its space and nuclear programs to advocate for similar efforts in technology.
Zoho is actively developing homegrown alternatives, such as the Arattai messaging app, to contribute to India's technological independence.
- Who
- Sridhar Vembu, founder and Chief Scientist of Zoho Corporation
- What
- Urged India to initiate a 10-year 'National Mission for Tech Resilience' to reduce dependency on US technology, citing potential risks from geopolitical tensions and calling for homegrown alternatives in areas like operating systems and chips.
- When
- Recently, following discussions on social media regarding potential US tech restrictions.
- Where
- Primarily through posts on X (formerly Twitter) and in discussions about India's technological landscape.
- Why
- To safeguard India's digital future and ensure technological sovereignty by building indigenous capabilities across the entire technology ecosystem.
Sridhar Vembu's Proposal
Skepticism and Challenges
Feasibility of a Third Mobile OS
Sridhar Vembu's Proposal
Vembu implicitly advocates for developing homegrown alternatives across the tech stack, including operating systems.
Skepticism and Challenges
Some argue it's impossible to create a third mobile OS to compete with iOS and Android due to ecosystem lock-in, making it difficult to convince global entities like banks and apps to adopt it.
Achieving Self-Reliance Without US Presence
Sridhar Vembu's Proposal
Vembu's vision is inspired by India's self-reliant space and nuclear programs, suggesting it can be done with sustained investment.
Skepticism and Challenges
Questions are raised about whether Zoho could have achieved its current status without being located in the US, highlighting challenges like trust deficit, fiscal, and cultural barriers for Indian companies.
Impact of US Tech Dependency
Sridhar Vembu's Proposal
Vembu warns of severe consequences if geopolitical tensions lead to restrictions on US technology, potentially paralyzing sectors.
Skepticism and Challenges
The potential for US big tech to cripple a nation if dependency is too deep is acknowledged as a serious risk.
- Key Figure
- Sridhar Vembu, Founder and Chief Scientist, Zoho Corporation
- Core Concern
- India's significant technological dependency on the United States.
- Proposed Solution
- A 10-year 'National Mission for Tech Resilience'.
- Areas of Dependency
- Operating systems, processors, semiconductor fabrication units, apps, data centers.
- Example of Homegrown Alternative
- Zoho's Arattai app as an alternative to WhatsApp.
- Global Precedents
- India's self-reliant space and nuclear programs.
