Zoho CEO Sridhar Vembu urges Indians to keep THIS in mind, says, 'achievements abroad won't...'

Sridhar Vembu, CEO of Zoho Corporation, has urged Indians to embrace self-reliance and focus on indigenous innovation to tackle the country’s unique challenges. In a recent post on X, Vembu stressed the need to reduce dependence on foreign products and services by leveraging India’s vast talent pool.

“To earn true respect in the world, Indians have to develop deep capabilities in India. Achievements abroad won't do it. I hope smart Indians keep this in mind,” he wrote, encouraging businesses to create homegrown technologies tailored to India’s needs.

To earn true respect in the world, Indians have to develop deep capabilities in India. Achievements abroad won't do it.

I hope smart Indians keep this in mind.

— Sridhar Vembu (@svembu) December 28, 2024

Vembu highlighted the importance of nurturing domestic talent over relying on external resources. Sharing his personal approach, he said, “As an Indian, I work hard to retain talent in India because we so badly need the talent to develop India's technology capability.” He contrasted this with the United States’ reliance on imported talent, suggesting that India should prioritise sustainable growth through local skill development.

He also spoke about the need for inclusive growth, emphasising that national progress cannot be achieved if large sections of society are left behind. “National development cannot be achieved if large sections of society are left behind,” Vembu noted.

Reflecting on global practices, Vembu questioned the long-term effects of prioritising global rankings over local development. “Is it worth the bragging rights to be number one in GDP or AI, achieved with imported talent, but at the price of leaving your own people behind?”