Technological self-reliance: Harsh Goenka, Indian businessman and chairman of RPG Enterprises, wrote a viral post on X (formerly Twitter). He said, “Imagine if the Trump government stops India from using American platforms like X, Google, Instagram, Facebook or ChatGPT. How big an impact will it have? What is our Plan B?” This question immediately sparked a heated debate on social media about India’s dependence on foreign technology. This idea is not just for fun, but highlights a national need. Zoho’s Sridhar Vembu gives the ‘real answer’: Focus on core technology, not apps. Responding to this post, Sridhar Vembu, co-founder and CEO of Zoho Corporation, clarified that the problem is not limited to just social media or apps. According to him, the real threat is the dependency on basic technologies like operating system (OS), chips, foundry, fabrication and hardware. “India should launch a 10-year ‘National Mission for Tech Resilience’. It is possible and we can do it,” Vembu said. His suggestion points towards a long-term plan, which will make India self-reliant in the field of technology. What are the main risks? From mobile operating systems to cloud computing, India’s digital environment is largely dependent on foreign companies. Experts say that if American companies suddenly stop their services, there will be a serious impact on communications, banking, government functioning, email, payment systems and the daily digital lives of millions of people. Even if it happens only for a few days, it will shake the economic and administrative system of the country. According to Vembu’s vision, India should focus on chip design, fabrication units, cloud infrastructure and its operating systems rather than app development. Only then will true ‘technological independence’ come. Support on social media, but many questions Many on social media appreciated Vembu’s ideas, but some questioned how practical it is to remain isolated from the global tech scene. However, this debate makes it clear that technological self-reliance is no longer just an economic option, but a strategic imperative. According to Vembu, India needs a strong, secure and independent digital infrastructure for the future. This is not an issue of development, but a matter of national security.