India is set to launch its own secure web browser, a big step toward building a homegrown internet ecosystem. This announcement was made by Ashwini Vaishnaw, the Union Minister of Railways, Electronics, and IT, on Thursday.

Vaishnaw shared this news while awarding the winners of the Indian Web Browser Development Challenge (IWBDC). Zoho Corporation, a software company founded by Sridhar Vembu, won the top prize in the competition.

The government held the competition to encourage the development of an indigenous web browser for India. Vaishnaw explained that India aims to become a "product nation" instead of just being a service provider in technology.

Earlier, product development was mostly done by government institutions, but now a more inclusive model is being adopted, Vaishnaw said. He emphasized the need for faster innovation and production to make sure that India's homegrown solutions are widely adopted.

The minister also encouraged startups and industries to focus on creating secure and scalable technologies to help India become more self-reliant in the digital space.

With an indigenous web browser, India will benefit from better data security, as the browser will comply with the country’s Data Protection Act. This ensures that user data remains within India, promoting digital sovereignty.

The browser will also work smoothly across various platforms like iOS, Windows, and Android, providing a secure and reliable user experience.

Vaishnaw stressed the importance of shifting focus from services to building and exporting technology products in India. The launch of this web browser marks a significant step toward India's self-reliance in the digital world.

The new web browser will also feature a certificate trust store, digital signing, parental controls, and Web3 support, setting new standards for secure online interactions in India.