The Indian messaging app that wants to take on WhatsApp

Arattai, an Indian messaging app, is experiencing a surge in popularity as the Indian government pushes for self-reliance. The app, which offers features similar to WhatsApp, is positioning itself as a homegrown alternative to the popular messaging platform. The article highlights that Arattai's growth coincides with the Indian government's "Atmanirbhar Bharat" (self-reliant India) initiative, which aims to reduce the country's dependence on foreign technology. This push has led to increased interest in domestic apps and services. Arattai, developed by the technology company Techno Genius, claims to offer enhanced privacy and security features compared to WhatsApp. The app has seen a significant increase in downloads, particularly among users who are concerned about data privacy and want to support Indian-made products. The article notes that Arattai's success is part of a broader trend of Indian tech companies trying to capitalize on the government's self-reliance push and the growing consumer demand for homegrown digital solutions.