Delhi, June 02, 2025: Prominent business leader Siddharth Shankar has defended India’s technology innovation capabilities, arguing that critics who dismiss the country’s e-commerce achievements as mere “delivery apps” are fundamentally misunderstanding global market dynamics.
In a wide-ranging interview on the Karostartup podcast, Mr. Shankar, who successfully built and sold Tails Group in a nine-figure deal, challenged popular narratives that position India as lacking true innovation compared to other markets.
“I think those comments might be blown out of proportion,” Shankar stated, addressing recent criticism of India’s tech sector. “E-commerce as an industry in India is one of the very few success stories globally.”
The entrepreneur emphasized that India’s e-commerce success stands out precisely because other major economies have struggled to replicate similar achievements despite significant advantages.
“The US tried it, the UK tried it, France, Germany, Singapore all tried it,” Shankar explained. “China also has cheap labor, as do the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia. Why were they not able to execute e-commerce as well as India despite our much bigger problems?”
Shankar’s comments come at a time when India’s technology sector faces scrutiny over its innovation credentials, with some analysts questioning whether the country is creating genuinely disruptive technologies or merely optimizing existing business models.
“The tech stack behind these services is brilliant,” he noted. “People have put decades of their lives into building something and owning a route to market. Today, convenience and standard of living in India is one of the best.”
The business leader, who built his global distribution empire without external funding, argued that India’s approach to technology development reflects practical market-solving rather than theoretical innovation.
“We shouldn’t be comparing ourselves to China,” Shankar declared. “Every country has its pace and does what they’re good at. The way India has sprung back since independence, even in terms of GDP ranking, is a story in itself.”
Industry analysts note that Shankar’s perspective reflects growing confidence among Indian entrepreneurs about the country’s technological capabilities and market positioning.
“Put your blinkers on and focus on your work,” Shankar concluded, encouraging Indian tech entrepreneurs to concentrate on building value rather than responding to external criticism.
Corporate Comm India (CCI Newswire)
