Ashwini Vaishnaw adopts Zoho after PM Modi’s Swadeshi call, boosting India’s digital self-reliance and spotlighting Zoho as a powerful homegrown tech alternative
How a Union Minister’s software switch is inspiring a new wave of digital self-reliance
India’s push for digital self-reliance just got a major boost. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, who oversees Electronics and Information Technology, has announced his move to Zoho, a homegrown software suite for all his office work. This decision, made in response to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for embracing ‘Swadeshi’ platforms, is more than symbolic. It’s a powerful endorsement of India’s indigenous tech capabilities and a wake-up call for citizens and institutions still dependent on foreign digital tools.
In this blog, we explore the significance of Vaishnaw’s move, Zoho’s journey as a Swadeshi success story, Sridhar Vembu’s reaction, and what this shift means for India’s digital future.
Ashwini Vaishnaw’s Move: A Minister’s Message to the Nation
On September 22, 2025, Ashwini Vaishnaw took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to announce:
“I am moving to Zoho, our own Swadeshi platform for documents, spreadsheets & presentations. I urge all to join PM Shri @narendramodi Ji’s call for Swadeshi by adopting indigenous products & services.”
This statement came just hours after Prime Minister Modi’s festive-season message urging citizens to support Made-in-India products. The PM linked this call to the broader vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, emphasizing that every Swadeshi purchase strengthens local industries and creates jobs.
Vaishnaw’s switch to Zoho is not just a personal choice, it’s a public declaration of trust in Indian innovation. As the minister responsible for India’s digital infrastructure, his move sends a strong signal to government departments, startups, and enterprises: Swadeshi tech is ready for prime time.
His endorsement also aligns with the launch of GST Bachat Utsav, a nationwide savings festival tied to next-gen GST reforms. The timing suggests a coordinated push to promote both economic and digital self-reliance.
What Is Zoho and Why Is It India’s Answer to Microsoft and Google?
Founded in 1996 by Sridhar Vembu and Tony Thomas, Zoho Corporation is one of India’s most successful software-as-a-service (SaaS) companies. Headquartered in Chennai, Zoho offers over 55 cloud-based tools for productivity, business management, and enterprise operations.
Key Products in Zoho’s Suite:
| Category | Tools |
| Productivity | Zoho Writer, Sheet, Show, Mail |
| Business | Zoho CRM, Books, People, Desk |
| All-in-One | Zoho One (bundled suite) |
| AI Features | Zia (AI assistant), LLM-powered tools |
Zoho competes directly with global giants like Microsoft Office 365 and Google Workspace. But unlike them, Zoho emphasizes data privacy, local hosting, and affordable pricing—making it especially attractive to Indian SMEs and startups.
The company serves over 100 million users across 150+ countries, yet it retains a strong “Made in India” ethos. Sridhar Vembu, Zoho’s founder, is known for building rural tech campuses and promoting inclusive innovation.
In recent years, Zoho has invested heavily in artificial intelligence, launching its own large language models and AI agents to reduce dependence on external technologies.
Sridhar Vembu’s Reaction: A Morale Boost for Indian Engineers
Sridhar Vembu responded to Vaishnaw’s announcement with heartfelt gratitude:
“Thank you Sir, this is a huge morale boost for our engineers who have worked hard for over two decades to build our product suite. We will make you proud and make our nation proud. Jai Hind.”
This reaction highlights the emotional and symbolic weight of Vaishnaw’s move. For Zoho’s team, it’s not just a validation, it’s a celebration of years of quiet, persistent innovation.
Vembu has long advocated for Swadeshi tech, often criticizing the blind adoption of foreign platforms. His vision includes:
- Building tech campuses in rural India
- Training local talent in advanced software development
- Promoting ethical AI and data sovereignty
Vaishnaw’s endorsement is likely to accelerate Zoho’s adoption across government departments and public sector units. It also strengthens the case for digital Atmanirbharta, India’s version of self-reliance in the tech sector.
What This Means for India’s Digital Future
Ashwini Vaishnaw’s shift to Zoho is more than a headline—it’s a strategic pivot. It reflects a growing realization that India must control its digital destiny, especially in an era of global tech tensions and data localization debates.
Potential Impacts of This Move:
- Government Adoption: Ministries and departments may follow suit, reducing reliance on foreign software.
- Startup Inspiration: Indian tech founders gain confidence to build and scale indigenous platforms.
- Public Awareness: Citizens become more conscious of data privacy and digital sovereignty.
- Policy Alignment: Supports PM Modi’s vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 and inclusive growth.
This move also complements India’s broader tech initiatives:
- IndiaAI Mission: Building indigenous AI capabilities
- Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI): Platforms like UPI, Aadhaar, and ONDC
- Semiconductor Push: Despite setbacks, India aims to build chip manufacturing capacity
Vaishnaw’s decision to use Zoho is a reminder that policy begins with practice. When leaders walk the talk, change becomes real.
A Swadeshi Signal That Could Reshape India’s Tech Landscape
Ashwini Vaishnaw’s switch to Zoho is a game-changing moment for India’s digital ecosystem. It’s a bold endorsement of homegrown innovation and a challenge to the dominance of foreign tech giants. By choosing Zoho, Vaishnaw has shown that Indian platforms are not just alternatives, they’re world-class solutions.
Sridhar Vembu’s response captures the spirit of this moment: pride, perseverance, and patriotism. For Indian engineers, entrepreneurs, and policymakers, this is a call to build, trust, and scale indigenous technology.
As India marches toward Viksit Bharat 2047, moves like these will define the journey not just in terms of software, but in shaping a self-reliant, confident digital nation.
Stay informed with the latest news and updates – only on Rapido Updates.