Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw emphasizes the importance of safeguarding the startup ecosystem amidst the conflict between Google and Indian apps.

The Union Minister emphasised the necessity of protecting the startup ecosystem, acknowledging their significant contributions to society, the economy, and people's lives through innovative solutions. Following Google's announcement on March 1 to remove apps from 10 Indian developers, including well-known platforms like Shaadi.com and Naukri.com, due to non-compliance with billing policies, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw played a pivotal role in facilitating dialogue between Google and Indian app developers to resolve the conflict. In a recent interview with Moneycontrol, Vaishnaw discussed the need for a permanent solution and the potential role of upcoming digital competition laws in addressing such issues.

Vaishnaw reiterated the importance of supporting and protecting the startup ecosystem, expressing satisfaction that Google responded to their request, and both parties are engaging in regular discussions. He mentioned the establishment of a forum where startups and Google can collaborate and provide suggestions. It was noted that they anticipate about seven to eight weeks to reach a common solution, following which further discussions will be held jointly to determine the next steps.

The friction between Google and Indian apps sparked concerns within the industry, with stakeholders expressing dismay over Google's actions. Suggestions for India to establish its own app store as part of its Digital Public Infrastructure gained traction, with leaders like Sanjeev Bikhchandani advocating for strategic responses from government representatives.

After government intervention and discussions with IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Google temporarily reinstated the delisted apps and extended the timeline for developers to pay service fees. However, Indian startups continue to voice concerns over what they perceive as unequal treatment compared to global counterparts. Despite Google's temporary reinstatement, certain stakeholders view the incident as an attack on India's internet landscape.

Anupam Mittal, founder and CEO of People Group and Shaadi.com, strongly criticised Google's actions, labelling it as an attack and urging action to "save our startups." Similarly, Murugavel Janakiraman, founder and CEO of matrimony.com, highlighted concerns over Google's dominance in the app market and its billing system, despite previous fines imposed by the Competition Commission of India (CCI).