EaseMyTrip’s Nishant Pitti has accused MakeMyTrip of having deep-rooted Chinese ties, raising concerns over data security
In a dramatic turn of events, EaseMyTrip co-founder Nishant Pitti has publicly accused rival travel aggregator MakeMyTrip of having strong Chinese affiliations, raising concerns over national security risks. His allegations center around the claim that five out of ten board members of MakeMyTrip have direct ties to China, with strategic influence from Trip.com, a Chinese-owned travel company.
The controversy escalated when Pitti warned that Indian Armed Forces personnel book discounted tickets via MakeMyTrip, entering Defence ID, travel routes, and dates, which could pose a security risk if accessed by foreign entities.
MakeMyTrip has vehemently refuted these claims, asserting that it is a proudly Indian business that was established and has its headquarters in India and conforms with all relevant laws and data privacy standards.
Table of Contents
The Allegations: Chinese Influence in MakeMyTrip’s Board
Pitti’s claims suggest that MakeMyTrip’s board structure is deeply influenced by Chinese-backed investors. He alleges that:
- 5 out of 10 board members have direct links to China.
- Three of the four most strategic board committees are either led or significantly influenced by directors with Chinese affiliations.
- Trip.com executives hold key positions within MakeMyTrip’s leadership.
These allegations have intensified scrutiny over Chinese investments in Indian tech and digital platforms, particularly in sectors handling sensitive user information.
MakeMyTrip’s Response: Denial & Defense
MakeMyTrip has strongly refuted Pitti’s claims, calling them “motivated accusations”. The company maintains that:
- It is a publicly listed company on Nasdaq, with a diverse shareholder base spanning the globe
- It is founded by Indians, headquartered in India, and has been trusted by millions of Indian travelers for over 25 years but now many losing the trust.
- It complies with all Indian laws and data privacy regulations, ensuring secure transactions for all users.
Despite MakeMyTrip’s rebuttal, Pitti has continued to press the issue, arguing that national security concerns cannot be ignored.
Implications for Indian Armed Forces & Data Security
The most alarming aspect of Pitti’s allegations is the potential risk to Indian Armed Forces personnel. He claims that:
- Defense personnel enter sensitive data (ID, travel routes, dates) while booking tickets.
- If MakeMyTrip’s board is influenced by Chinese investors, this data could be compromised.
- Foreign entities could track military movements, posing a serious security threat.
While there is no concrete evidence that MakeMyTrip has misused data, the allegations have raised concerns about data security and foreign influence in Indian corporates.
Government & Industry Response
The Indian government has not officially commented on the controversy, but cybersecurity experts suggest:
- Stricter regulations on foreign investments in Indian digital platforms.
- Enhanced data protection measures for sensitive user information.
- Review of travel booking platforms used by defense personnel.
Industry analysts believe that this public dispute could lead to policy changes regarding defense personnel using private travel platforms.
Conclusion: – Easemytrip
A Growing Debate Over Foreign Influence
The dispute between EaseMyTrip and MakeMyTrip demonstrates India’s mounting apprehensions regarding Chinese participation in strategic industries. While MakeMyTrip has denied any wrongdoing, Pitti’s allegations have sparked a broader debate on data security, national interests, and foreign influence in Indian businesses.
As scrutiny intensifies, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether these claims lead to government intervention, policy changes, or legal action.
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