Indian ministers are increasingly turning to Zoho apps like Zoho Mail, Cliq, and Show as indigenous alternatives to Microsoft and Google tools, boosting India’s digital self-reliance.
New Delhi, 25 September 2025 — A growing number of Indian ministers are shifting from global software products to homegrown digital platforms, with Zoho emerging as a leading alternative to Microsoft and Google applications.
Recently, a video circulating on social media highlighted how India’s IT Minister used Zoho Show—an indigenous presentation tool—instead of Microsoft PowerPoint during an official briefing. The move is being seen as a symbolic yet significant push towards digital self-reliance.
Zoho Corporation, a Chennai-based company, offers a rich suite of applications designed for both businesses and individuals. Some of its most popular apps include:
Arattai Messenger- a secure Indian alternative to Whatsapp.
Zoho Mail – a secure Indian alternative to Gmail
Zoho Cliq – instant messaging and team chat, often compared with WhatsApp
Zoho WorkDrive – a cloud storage and file collaboration platform, similar to Google Drive
Zoho Writer – a powerful online document editor
Zoho Sheet – spreadsheet application for data handling
Zoho Show – presentation software, an alternative to PowerPoint
Zoho Meeting – secure video conferencing solution like Zoom or Google Meet
Observers note that this trend mirrors India’s earlier success with UPI, which helped reduce reliance on Visa and Mastercard in the payments sector. Advocates of swadeshi (indigenous) technology argue that adopting domestic digital platforms not only strengthens national security but also ensures India is less vulnerable to sudden policy shifts by foreign tech corporations.
With growing speculation that popular global apps like WhatsApp may introduce subscription-based models in the future, experts believe indigenous platforms such as Zoho Cliq will be vital for maintaining accessible communication in India.
Industry voices stress that India cannot abandon foreign technologies overnight, but gradual adoption of reliable homegrown alternatives is crucial. “Doing something is better than doing nothing. Each small step toward using Indian products contributes to building long-term technological independence,” noted a technology commentator.
As global technology competition intensifies, India’s digital sovereignty movement is likely to gain further momentum, with policy circles already calling for the development of indigenous platforms akin to Twitter and YouTube.
