Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Mar 20: India is set to introduce its own web browser, marking a major step toward digital self-reliance, Union Minister for Railways, Electronics, and IT Ashwini Vaishnaw announced on Thursday.

The announcement came during the Indian Web Browser Development Challenge (IWBDC) awards ceremony, where Zoho Corporation, founded by Sridhar Vembu, secured the top prize. The competition was launched to encourage the creation of a homegrown web browser that aligns with India’s data protection and security policies.

Vaishnaw emphasized the government’s commitment to making India a “product nation,” shifting its focus from being a service provider to a technology creator. He stated that innovation must rapidly transition into large-scale production so that indigenous solutions become mainstream.

The Indian web browser will enhance data security, ensure compliance with India's Data Protection Act, and keep user data within the country, reinforcing India's digital sovereignty. Designed for seamless operation across multiple platforms, including iOS, Windows, and Android, the browser will provide a secure and user-friendly experience.

Key features of the indigenous browser include a certificate trust store for enhanced security, digital signing capabilities, parental controls, and Web3 support for next-generation internet applications.

Vaishnaw encouraged startups and industries to develop secure, scalable technologies, further strengthening India's presence in the global tech ecosystem. He concluded that the launch of an indigenous web browser is a milestone in India’s journey toward digital independence.

This initiative is part of a broader push by the government to develop homegrown technology products, ensuring greater cybersecurity and control over digital infrastructure.