Removal of Indian Apps: Vaishnav asked Google to meet

IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has invited representatives from Google for a meeting on Monday over a dispute between the tech giant and some Indian companies over non-compliance with billing policies. 

Technology giant Google’s decision to delist some Indian apps from its Play Store has met with criticism from the founders and executives of the affected companies and users on social media. Google has removed 10 Indian apps from its Play Store, including well-known ones like BharatMatrimony, Jeevansathi, 99 Acres, Naukri.com, and Shaadi.com.

Mr Vaishnaw, expressing optimism about a swift resolution, stated, "I am hopeful that Google will be reasonable in its approach. We have a large, growing startup ecosystem, and it's crucial to protect their interests." 

"I have already asked Google to meet me. We will take all necessary steps to safeguard our startup ecosystem, and I trust that Google, which has adapted well to digital payments, will approach this matter reasonably," the IT Minister added. 

Meanwhile, The Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI), a non-profit industry body, condemned the removal of the apps and urged Google to reinstate them. IAMAI’s governing council also called the delisting of apps unfair and disproportionate.