India’s move to ban 59 Chinese apps including TikTok found widespread support among the country’s startup and tech community, who are eyeing this opportunity to back promising homegrown ventures.
The government on Monday prohibited the use of several apps citing the threat posed to the country’s “sovereignty and security”. This comes after border tensions between India and China flared up to their worst levels in over four decades.
Here’s how Twitterati reacted to the government’s decision to outlaw dozens of China-based apps:
Balaji S. Srinivasan, former general partner, Andreessen Horowitz
Prominent Silicon Valley-based angel investor Balaji S Srinivasan is teaming with AngelList founder Naval Ravikant to back Indian versions of the 59 Chinese apps that the government has banned. Srinivasan invited proposals along with links of working prototypes through a tweet.
INDIA STANDS APPIf you are building an Indian version of these apps, @naval and I want to see it. We have set up… https://t.co/n1i4R7fMh5
— Balaji S. Srinivasan (@balajis) 1593474745000
Vijay Shekhar Sharma, founder, Paytm
Paytm founder and CEO called the move a bold step in India’s national interest.
Bold step in the national interest. A step towards Atmanirbhar App ecosystem. Time for the best Indian entrepreneur… https://t.co/7bqlTTHPyq
— Vijay Shekhar Sharma (@vijayshekhar) 1593454083000
Anand Lunia, founding partner, IndiaQuotient
Lunia highlighted the difference between Chinese apps with no physical presence in India and homegrown apps backed by Chinese investors.
Paytm, Zomato, etc are all Indian cos. They have to follow Indian laws by being present here as a legal entity. 1/n
— Anand Lunia (@anandlunia) 1593490998000
Karthik, former national lead, social, at Ogilvy
TikTok enabled many, many Indians in Tier 2/3/4/5 cities of India to experience social feedback and fame (however s… https://t.co/TW0AapASra
— Karthik (@beastoftraal) 1593490528000
Pravin Jadhav, former Paytm Money CEO
While we are on topic of apps today, please please please make great products. Breaks my heart to see so many app… https://t.co/6PpViWm5ks
— pj (@BeingPractical) 1593493681000
Naveen Tewari, founder, InMobi
1/n The ban indicates the need to work and operate within the laws, culture and values of any country. The ban is n… https://t.co/H96hx9CnNu
— Naveen Tewari (@NaveenTewari) 1593501793000
Ravish Naresh, co-founder, Khatabook
Tonight is going to be possibly one of the most exciting nights in the Indian startup ecosystem. Hope Indian VCs ha… https://t.co/nQJxcJre2c
— Ravish Naresh (@ravishnaresh) 1593457622000
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