Zoho founder Sridhar Vembu says India must build domestic capacity to earn global respect

India must direct its energy into creating world-class businesses, technology, and infrastructure at home if it wants to command lasting international stature, Zoho founder Sridhar Vembu said.

His remarks came in response to American investor and mathematician Eric Weinstein, who voiced concern on social media over growing hostility directed at India, Indians, Hindus, and Indian-Americans online. Weinstein had asked anyone holding such hatred to unfollow him.

Vembu argued that the only effective answer to international prejudice or domestic scepticism is relentless economic and technological execution, rather than outrage.

Focusing on national development

Writing on X, the enterprise software pioneer said true global standing cannot be granted by foreign approval or determined by shifting political winds abroad.

"Until India develops, based on the talents of our own people, we will not find true respect in the world, no matter whether right, left or center is in charge anywhere," Vembu wrote.

He directly addressed the rhetoric often aimed at the Indian diaspora, where critics question why talented professionals seek opportunities overseas if their home country possesses genuine capability. Rather than reacting defensively, Vembu said the country should treat such questions as a call to build more durable domestic institutions and industries.

"The racist shows us a mirror and asks: 'if your nation is smart, why do you want to come here'. I do not hate him, I want to respond by building," Vembu said.

Self-reliance over pessimism

Vembu took a similar stance towards domestic critics who doubt the country's capacity to transform into a developed power. Creating global enterprises and a resilient economy, he noted, depends on backing people who believe development is achievable within the country.

"Some Indians agree with the racist and think India will never develop. I do not hate them either, I want to respond by building," he wrote. "Companies and nations are built by people who believe it can be done."

He concluded with an appeal to focus national energy on industrial and technological expansion: "The urgent national priority is to build, build and build."

Vembu has long advocated for decentralised industrial growth, deep technology manufacturing, and indigenous research within India, arguing that durable economic sovereignty requires domestic supply chains rather than relying on foreign technology.