Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw created a buzz on Monday after he publicly announced his decision to switch to Zoho, a leading Indian-developed software suite, as part of his broader push for the adoption of indigenous technology platforms. The Minister for Electronics and Information Technology shared the news on X, writing, “I am moving to Zoho, our own Swadeshi platform for documents, spreadsheets, and presentations.” His move has been hailed as a symbolic step that aligns with the government’s vision of promoting self-reliance in technology and encouraging citizens to embrace homegrown alternatives instead of depending solely on foreign-made software.
In a video statement accompanying his announcement, Vaishnaw praised Zoho’s capabilities, calling the platform “phenomenal” and expressing admiration for its features. He highlighted how impressed he was with the level of innovation that had gone into the product and urged fellow citizens to follow suit, echoing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s repeated calls to adopt indigenous products and services as part of the larger mission of Atmanirbhar Bharat. By leading through example, the Minister sought to send a strong message about the importance of using Indian-made digital solutions in everyday work and administration.
Zoho’s founder, Sridhar Vembu, responded warmly to the Minister’s endorsement, sharing the video and expressing deep gratitude. He described Vaishnaw’s move as “a huge morale boost” for the company’s engineers who, according to him, have been working tirelessly for over two decades to build and refine the product suite. Vembu emphasized that this recognition validated their efforts and strengthened their resolve to push the boundaries of innovation. His words, “We will make you proud and make our nation proud. Jai Hind,” reflected the company’s longstanding philosophy of blending world-class quality with a strong sense of national pride.
The development comes at a time when Zoho has been expanding aggressively in the field of artificial intelligence, having recently launched its own large language model (LLM) and AI-driven agents. These advancements are aimed at reducing dependence on external technologies, particularly those dominated by global tech giants, while boosting efficiency and empowering Indian businesses with homegrown tools. Vaishnaw’s endorsement adds significant credibility to Zoho’s efforts and strengthens its position as a serious player in the global software landscape.
The Minister’s announcement also resonates with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent message at the beginning of Navratri, in which he underlined the importance of reviving India’s swadeshi spirit. The Prime Minister had urged citizens to consciously evaluate their purchasing habits, pointing out that many everyday items, such as something as small as a comb, are often imported without people realizing it. He called on every household to take pride in choosing swadeshi products, declaring, “Garv se kaho ye swadeshi hai.” His emphasis was not only on buying Indian goods but also on ensuring that domestic manufacturing achieves world-class standards that can position India as a global leader in quality.
Together, Vaishnaw’s switch to Zoho and Modi’s larger call for swadeshi practices underscore a significant cultural and economic shift taking shape in India. The focus is not merely on reducing imports or promoting nationalism but on cultivating a sustainable ecosystem where Indian innovations can thrive, gain global recognition, and eventually set new benchmarks for excellence. For Zoho’s engineers and for countless other entrepreneurs across the nation, the Minister’s endorsement serves as both validation and inspiration—an assurance that their work is not only shaping businesses but also contributing meaningfully to India’s journey of self-reliance and pride.
