India pushes domestic alternatives to Google, Microsoft amid strained US ties

In a major push for digital self-reliance, several Indian cabinet ministers are actively promoting the use of homegrown mobile applications as alternatives to dominant platforms from US tech giants like Google and Microsoft.

The move, seen as the strongest government backing yet for "Made in India" apps, comes amid escalating trade and strategic tensions between New Delhi and Washington, and a broader national focus on reducing technological dependency on foreign entities.

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Ministers are specifically encouraging domestic rivals to services such as Google Maps, WhatsApp, and Microsoft's suite of products. 

The shift is part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) initiative, driven by concerns over national security and economic vulnerability due to reliance on foreign-controlled digital infrastructure.

Even with strong government backing, Indian companies struggle to replace global tech brands due to limited funding, market reach, and safeguards against surveillance.

In 2021, Indian ministers backed the Twitter-like platform Koo following regulatory disputes with the American company, but the platform closed last year due to insufficient funding.

"Government support alone will not suffice," cautioned Dilip Cherian, co-founder of PR firm Perfect Relations.