Will Google Maps be phased out? After Arattai, Ashwini Vaishnav said, "Use Indian maps like Mappls."

After Arattai, Ashwini Vaishnaw Promotes Indian Map App ‘Mappls’; Will It Replace Google Maps?

After Arattai, Ashwini Vaishnaw Endorses Indian Navigation App ‘Mappls’; A Step Toward Digital Self-Reliance

New Delhi, October 13, 2025:
After backing the Indian messaging app Arattai as an alternative to WhatsApp, Union Minister for Electronics and IT Ashwini Vaishnaw has once again emphasized the importance of using homegrown digital platforms. This time, he urged citizens to switch from Google Maps to India’s indigenous mapping solution — Mappls, developed by MapmyIndia.

The Minister’s latest social media post promoting Mappls has sparked widespread discussion about India’s growing push toward digital independence. Many see this as another step in the government’s broader vision of building a self-reliant digital ecosystem under the Digital India initiative.

What is Mappls?

Mappls, developed by MapmyIndia, is an Indian-made navigation and mapping application offering turn-by-turn navigation, live traffic updates, and detailed street-level imagery — features comparable to Google Maps. What makes it stand out is its Indian context optimization — from accurate rural navigation to integration with local language search and Indian landmarks.

The app claims to provide better privacy protection than foreign mapping services, assuring users that their data is stored and processed within India. The company says that unlike some global apps, Mappls does not share user data with third parties or advertisers.

Government Push for Indigenous Tech

Minister Vaishnaw’s recent endorsement is part of a larger government initiative to encourage citizens to adopt ‘Made-in-India’ digital tools. Earlier this month, he promoted Arattai, a messaging app developed by Chennai-based Zoho Corporation, as a strong Indian alternative to WhatsApp.

By backing Mappls, the IT Ministry is signaling its intent to reduce dependency on foreign tech ecosystems and boost local innovation. Experts believe this move aligns with the government’s long-term digital sovereignty goals, especially in critical areas like communication, navigation, and fintech.

Why India Needs Its Own Mapping System

India’s need for an independent mapping platform has been discussed for years, especially after concerns over data sovereignty and security. Navigation and geolocation data are considered sensitive, as they directly relate to defense, transportation, and emergency response systems.

By using Mappls and similar indigenous tools, India can ensure that critical geospatial data remains within national borders, reducing the risk of data misuse or external surveillance. This also strengthens the country’s ability to build customized digital infrastructure suited to its geography and development needs.

Users Respond with Mixed Reactions

While many praised Ashwini Vaishnaw’s post for supporting Indian startups, some social media users expressed skepticism about whether Mappls can match Google Maps’ global coverage and AI-driven features.

However, supporters argue that with government backing and increased user adoption, Indian platforms like Mappls can quickly improve in performance and features. Many users also appreciated that the app provides offline navigation, real-time traffic alerts, and detailed 3D landmarks for major cities.

The Road Ahead

The rise of indigenous apps like Arattai and Mappls marks a new chapter in India’s journey toward digital self-reliance. With government ministries actively promoting local alternatives, the tech ecosystem is witnessing a shift from reliance on global giants to trust in domestic innovation.

Whether Mappls can truly challenge Google Maps remains to be seen — but one thing is clear: India is steadily building the digital tools needed to define its own technological future.