India Can Become a Digital Power by Building Its Own Affordable Tools, Says Zoho CEO Sridhar Vembu

Zoho cofounder and CEO Sridhar Vembu has once again underlined India’s potential to transform into a global digital and technology powerhouse. According to him, the key lies not just in software innovation, but in India’s ability to locally design and manufacture capital goods while keeping costs low. Such an approach, he argues, could give Indian companies a decisive competitive edge over foreign rivals.

Vembu shared these views while responding to a post on X (formerly Twitter). The original post was made by the founder of Ranoson, an Indian manufacturing firm, which recently achieved a major milestone by deploying its fourth fully in-house engineered CNC machine. CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machines are critical tools used in precision manufacturing across multiple industries.

In his post, the Ranoson founder described the achievement as a significant step toward the company’s long-term goal of eliminating dependence on imported machinery. “Today, we operate more machines of our own design than imported ones for this particular capacity,” he wrote, adding that the transition was neither quick nor inexpensive, but ultimately worth the effort.

India must focus on capital goods manufacturing

Sridhar Vembu praised the company’s efforts and emphasized the broader national importance of such initiatives. He noted that focusing on affordable, locally designed capital goods is essential for India’s rise as a digital and economic power. “The best craftsmen make their own tools,” Vembu said, stressing that custom-designed, low-cost capital goods are central to Bharat’s long-term technological growth.

He further expressed interest in visiting Indian manufacturers that are investing heavily in research and development aimed at building indigenous machinery and production tools. According to Vembu, such on-ground innovation plays a crucial role in strengthening India’s industrial foundation.

This is not the first time the Zoho cofounder has spoken about pathways to India’s economic advancement. In recent remarks, Vembu pointed out that mastering sophisticated capital goods could directly translate into higher income levels and better economic outcomes for the country.

Vembu has consistently advocated for greater self-reliance in both manufacturing and technology. He has previously argued that India may need a long-term national mission to reduce its dependence on US-based technology platforms. Products such as Zoho Mail and Arattai have already emerged as domestic alternatives to services like Gmail and WhatsApp.

However, Vembu has also acknowledged that widespread adoption of indigenous platforms remains a challenge and that India still has a long journey ahead. Even so, he maintains that sustained focus on affordable capital goods, local innovation, and long-term thinking can help India establish itself as a true digital superpower.