Can 2 Apps Save India’s Digital Future from China?

India’s internet journey is no longer about basic access. With more than 800 million people online, the bigger question today is who owns and controls the platforms where Indians spend time, exchange ideas, and shape conversations?

So far, most of these spaces have been foreign-owned. Unlike China, where local players like WeChat, Douyin, and Weibo dominate, India has little control over its most important digital hangouts. While the country has built globally admired infrastructure such as Aadhaar and UPI, its social platforms the real hubs of interaction and expression remain largely dependent on outsiders.

This gap raises both strategic and cultural concerns. That’s where homegrown platforms like ShareChat and Moj come in. By focusing on vernacular content, they have connected deeply with India’s heartland, reaching over 200 million monthly users. For many in smaller towns and rural regions, these apps are not just about entertainment but also gateways to participation in the digital economy.

Their scale positions them as strong candidates to shape India’s digital commons built on local priorities, languages, and culture. If nurtured well, ShareChat and Moj could help India reclaim its digital future, ensuring that the voices of its people are amplified on platforms created in India, for India.