New Delhi: The Indian telecom ministry has issued a directive requiring all smartphone manufacturers selling devices in the country to pre-install the government-developed Sanchar Saathi mobile application. The move, aimed at strengthening telecom security and cracking down on cybercrime, mandates that the app must be present on every new handset made available in the Indian market within the next 90 days.
Under the order, the Sanchar Saathi app is to be a mandatory feature on all upcoming devices, and manufacturers must ensure that users are not able to delete it from their smartphones. Phones that are already manufactured and lying with retailers or within company inventories will also have to comply. These devices are required to receive the application through software updates so that no device sold remains exempt from the rule.
Authorities have highlighted the purpose behind the decision, stating that the initiative is designed to curb rising cases of digital fraud, prevent the misuse of spoofed IMEI numbers, and assist in tracing stolen or lost mobile phones. The government pointed out that the Sanchar Saathi platform has already played a role in recovering approximately seven lakh (700,000) devices, underscoring its significance in the national security and consumer protection landscape.
The directive specifically mentions that failure to preload the app on future devices or to update the existing stock would be viewed seriously, given the “serious endangerment” cyber threats pose to India’s telecom infrastructure. Officials have cited an urgent need to strengthen mechanisms that stop criminals using mobile devices for fraudulent activity and identity manipulation.
However, the industry response has not been entirely smooth. Concerns have emerged among smartphone makers about the mandate’s practical and commercial implications. Some companies reportedly believe that enforcing a non-removable application on all customers could raise usability and policy issues, particularly for brands operating under strict internal guidelines governing third-party software. Companies may have to rework manufacturing processes and update compliance systems to meet the new requirement within the short deadline set by the government.
Industry sources have indicated unease that the directive appears to have been issued without prior consultation or discussion with technology firms. They worry that lack of dialogue could lead to difficulties in implementation and leave manufacturers grappling with sudden regulatory obligations. The directive could also lead to friction with global smartphone brands that have established device-software policies restricting compulsory installation of external applications that users cannot remove.
The government, meanwhile, has maintained that the decision was necessary, given the scale and sophistication of current cybersecurity challenges. Officials described the problem as urgent enough to warrant immediate steps for reinforcing safety measures on user devices through a standardized tool accessible to all citizens. They argue that the presence of the Sanchar Saathi app would ensure consumers are equipped to report phone thefts quickly, verify mobile device legitimacy, and potentially prevent financial losses caused by cyber fraud.
The order emphasizes enforcement across the market. This includes budget, mid-range, and premium devices, ensuring universal coverage regardless of price or manufacturer. The ministry has instructed companies to proceed with compliance without delay so that the ecosystem remains protected and consumers benefit from proactive safeguards built into their devices.
As smartphone users form a major share of India’s digital economy, the updated mandate marks a significant shift in how cybersecurity and telecom safety requirements are being embedded directly into consumer technology. The effectiveness of this measure, and how seamlessly brands adapt to the changes, will likely become clearer in the coming months as the 90-day deadline approaches and updates roll out to devices already in circulation.
