India, July 4 -- Indian companies, technology researchers and start-ups must be encouraged to fill the gap in the social media space.

India has finally reached the conclusion that its national security priorities, including data security, can no longer be taken lightly. This got reflected in its decision to ban 59 Chinese apps. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's decision to quit Chinese social media site Weibo also sent out a strong message that India no longer trusted China.

India took this major decision to reinforce national security in the wake of the India-China standoff along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh. The Union government invoked the provisions of Section 69A of the IT Act and imposed a ban on 59 apps that have Chin...