India's Big Tech Move: Centre Shifts Official Emails to Zoho for Data Security and Digital Sovereignty

India Strengthens Digital Independence: Government Moves 12 Lakh Employee Emails to Indian Firm Zoho

In a major push toward digital self-reliance, the Government of India has officially migrated its email services — covering around 1.2 million employees, including those in the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) — to Zoho, a homegrown technology company based in Tenkasi, Tamil Nadu. This transition marks a significant shift from the National Informatics Centre (NIC) infrastructure that previously hosted all official government emails.

According to The Hindu, the move aims to enhance data security, digital sovereignty, and promote indigenous technology as part of India’s vision to become a “product nation” rather than merely a service-driven economy.

Education Ministry Orders Switch to Indigenous Software

The first formal directive came from the Ministry of Education, which on October 3 ordered all departments and officers to start using the Zoho Office Suite for official work. The circular emphasized that adopting Indian-developed productivity tools aligns with the national vision of promoting “Swadeshi software” and protecting sensitive data from potential exposure through foreign or open-source applications.

The ministry further stated that Zoho’s tools — including word processing, spreadsheets, and presentation software — would replace third-party or open-source alternatives that could compromise data security. Officials say this transition strengthens India’s control over its digital ecosystem and reduces dependency on foreign technology providers.

Email Domains to Remain Same, But Data Hosting Shifts

While government email addresses will continue using the familiar nic.in or gov.in domains, the backend hosting and processing will now be handled by Zoho’s secure servers. The company has been awarded a seven-year contract starting from 2023, after rigorous evaluations and security audits conducted by NIC, CERT-In (Computer Emergency Response Team – India), and Software Quality Systems (SQS).

A senior government official confirmed that all necessary precautions have been taken to ensure complete data protection. Regular audits are being performed to maintain transparency and compliance with national cybersecurity standards.

Experts Support the Move, But Caution on Encryption

Former IAS officer K.B.S. Sidhu lauded the decision, calling it an important milestone in promoting Indian technology and reducing reliance on foreign digital infrastructure. However, he also emphasized that end-to-end encryption and independent security reviews are essential before large-scale deployment across ministries.

Sidhu’s comments echo the broader concerns of cybersecurity experts, who believe that while promoting domestic tech is commendable, the security architecture must remain airtight to protect sensitive governmental communications.

Zoho Founder’s Assurance: “We Never Access Customer Data”

Responding to the development, Zoho founder Sridhar Vembu took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), assuring users and government employees of the company’s commitment to data privacy.

“We never access customer data. Trust is the foundation of our business. End-to-end encryption is coming soon,” Vembu wrote.

Notably, Sridhar Vembu has been a member of India’s National Security Advisory Board (NSAB) since February 2021 — a role that reflects his active participation in shaping India’s technology and security ecosystem.

A Strategic Shift Toward Digital Sovereignty

By migrating to Zoho, the Indian government signals a decisive shift toward digital sovereignty — ensuring that sensitive data remains within national borders and is managed through indigenous platforms. This initiative not only enhances cybersecurity but also supports India’s vision of becoming a global leader in tech innovation.

As the government transitions its digital operations, experts view this as a model move that could inspire other sectors to adopt Indian software solutions. The step is seen as part of a broader national effort to create a self-reliant, secure, and innovation-driven digital economy — one that truly embodies the spirit of “Atmanirbhar Bharat.”