Make in India has long been a catchphrase to encourage innovation and increase indigenous production. But eventually, the tagline became meaningless. Many items that bear the label “Made in India” are actually imported commodities that bear the corporate branding of India. A recent example is a Noida-based defence company allegedly selling a Belarusian product to the Indian government while proudly displaying the Make in India lion logo on its website. This raises the question, are we truly building in India, or simply repackaging?
The Missed Opportunity in Software
India has a clear edge in software, notwithstanding the complexity of military and hardware production. India has a large pool of engineers and developers, so it may start by substituting local programs for those from other countries. It is possible to copy well-known services like productivity apps, Airbnb, and WhatsApp. Countries like China and Japan have already built their own digital ecosystems, WeChat, LINE, and Rakuten are prime examples. These platforms not only reduce dependency on foreign apps but also help secure sensitive data within national borders.
The Case for Building, Not Borrowing
Using international apps exposes a lot of Indian customer data to foreign companies, and data is today’s oil. This data would be kept in the nation by an indigenous app ecosystem, giving users and the government additional authority. Additionally, domestic apps would advance India’s digital economy, foster innovation, and generate local jobs.
The Role of Indian Startups
Indian startups have already proven they can compete globally. Look at Zomato, Ola, or Paytm. These companies built services tailored to India’s needs, and many expanded internationally. The same energy needs to be directed toward building replacements for international apps. If startups are supported through policy, funding, and infrastructure, we could see Indian alternatives rise to dominate messaging, e-commerce, short-term rentals, and even social media.
A Cultural Shift Is Needed
However, the larger challenge is cultural. India has long been a services-driven IT hub rather than a product ecosystem. Shifting from outsourcing to building requires a change in mindset, where risk-taking and product innovation are rewarded.
Building, Not Repackaging
Replacing international apps with homegrown ones is not about isolation but about independence. India doesn’t need to reinvent every wheel, but it must start by ensuring that the core tools people use daily; communication, commerce, and community are built, owned, and secured within the country.
Also Read: Why India’s Brightest Minds Are Leaving: A Crisis of Opportunity, Not Loyalty
