Amit Shah Switches to Zoho Mail: Indigenous Tech Gains Momentum Amid US Tariff Tensions
Pune, 13th October 2025: As debates intensify over US tariff policies, India is witnessing a growing shift toward indigenous technology solutions. Leading the charge is Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who recently announced that he has switched from a foreign email service to the homegrown Zoho Mail. His post on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday brought unprecedented attention to the Chennai-based tech company Zoho, which offers a suite of alternatives to popular global platforms like Google, Microsoft, and Zoom.
In his post, Shah stated, “Please use my new email ID [email protected] for future correspondence.” The move is being seen as a strong endorsement of India’s self-reliant digital ecosystem, in line with the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
Indigenous Alternative to Global Tech Giants
Zoho Corporation, founded by Sridhar Vembu, has long been recognized for its enterprise software ecosystem. With products like Zoho Mail, WorkDrive, Arattai, and Zoho Meetings, the company offers Indian users a privacy-focused and affordable alternative to global platforms such as Gmail, Google Drive, WhatsApp, and Zoom.
Zoho Mail, available at mail.zoho.in, is emerging as the top indigenous alternative to Gmail and Outlook. It offers both personal and business email services, emphasizing data privacy and an ad-free experience. Users can create custom domain emails, collaborate using integrated tools like calendars and contacts, and access their accounts across web and mobile platforms.
Zoho WorkDrive, the Indian equivalent of Google Drive, starts at ₹170 per month and provides 1 TB of storage, while free users receive 5 GB. Its affordability and data localization have made it popular among startups and small businesses.
Arattai, Zoho’s instant messaging platform, rivals WhatsApp with features like video calls, file sharing, and meeting scheduling. It currently has over 10 million users and plans to introduce a built-in payment system soon.
Zoho Meetings offers up to 60 minutes of free online conferencing—20 minutes more than Zoom’s free plan—at nearly half the cost for paid versions.
Expanding the Indigenous Tech Ecosystem
Zoho’s broader ecosystem includes Zoho Forms (alternative to Google Forms), Zoho Calendar, and Zoho Notebook, providing a complete workplace solution. The company has also launched Ula Browser, an Indian alternative to Chrome and Edge, to promote secure browsing within India’s digital infrastructure.
Speaking about the growing trust in indigenous tech, Zoho’s management stated, “Over one million organizations globally use our products. Our ecosystem is not just about alternatives — it’s about innovation. We were profitable long before the global giants turned their focus on the Indian market.”
As professionals and enterprises increasingly prioritize data security, affordability, and local innovation, Zoho’s rise marks a significant milestone in India’s journey toward digital self-reliance.
