Article - WARNING FOR INDIA from GTRI | Indians are too dependent on US Apps

Jai Siya Ram http://www.fxlive.in/ What GTRI Is Warning About GTRI says India’s economy and security are increasingly vulnerable because of its heavy reliance on US software, cloud services, and social media platforms. The concern is that in times of geopolitical tension, the US could cut off services / access to data, which could disrupt critical systems like banking, governance, defence. Moneycontrol. Specific risk: over 500 million Indian smartphones currently run on Android (Google’s OS) — so Android downtime or restrictions could have very broad impacts. What GTRI Recommends GTRI proposes a plan called “Digital Swaraj Mission”, aiming for more digital sovereignty. Key components: Timeframe What Should Be Done Short term (1-2 years) Mandate sovereign cloud hosting for critical data; launch a national operating system program; pilot Linux / open source transitions in key ministries. Medium term (3-5 years) Government systems should migrate to Indian software; public-private cybersecurity consortia should be fully operational. Long term (5-7 years) Achieve cloud parity (i.e. Indian cloud infrastructure equivalent in capability + security); replace foreign OS in defence / critical sectors; build globally competitive, open-network platforms. ✅ Implications & Outlook If implemented well, the strategy could strengthen India’s digital sovereignty and reduce exposure to external tech risks. But challenges include: ensuring enough investment, building capacity (skilled workforce, infrastructure), possibly dealing with transitional friction (e.g., compatibility, scale). Also, trade / tech diplomacy with the US (and other countries) will matter. India might negotiate terms / safeguards in trade agreements. The risk is not hypothetical — given global shifts toward tech wars, sanctions, and supply-chain / data sovereignty norms (Europe’s Digital Markets Act, etc.), the pressure is rising. Regards FXLive Chandan ((Tecnical Research Analyst in MCX Commodity + Cash Equity & Future/Options ))