A fierce corporate showdown has erupted in India’s online travel industry, with EaseMyTrip co-founder Nishant Pitti leveling grave accusations against rival MakeMyTrip, alleging that its Chinese affiliations pose a national security risk. Pitti claims that MakeMyTrip’s practice of collecting sensitive data, such as defense IDs from Indian Armed Forces personnel for discounted bookings, could expose troop movements to foreign entities, particularly China. The controversy, which has sparked intense debate, comes amid heightened India-Pakistan tensions and growing scrutiny of Chinese investments in Indian tech firms. As MakeMyTrip staunchly defends its Indian credentials, this clash raises critical questions about data privacy, corporate governance, and the intersection of business and geopolitics in a digital age.
The allegations surfaced on May 14, 2025, when Pitti highlighted a “loophole” in MakeMyTrip’s booking portal, which offers special fares to armed forces personnel in exchange for their defense ID, travel routes, and dates. “This exposes a grave vulnerability,” Pitti stated, suggesting that such data could be accessed by adversaries, given MakeMyTrip’s alleged Chinese ownership. He pointed to Trip.com Group Limited, a Chinese travel company listed as a significant investor in MakeMyTrip’s Nasdaq filings, and claimed that five of MakeMyTrip’s ten board members have direct ties to China, with three of four strategic board committees influenced by directors linked to Trip.com. Notable figures include James Jianzhang Liang, Trip.com’s chairman, and Xing Xiong, its COO, whose presence on MakeMyTrip’s board Pitti argues grants China disproportionate sway over critical decisions.
MakeMyTrip swiftly rebutted the claims, calling them “motivated accusations” driven by competitive rivalry. In a statement, a company spokesperson emphasized, “MakeMyTrip is a proud Indian company, founded by Indians, headquartered in India, and trusted by millions for over 25 years.” The firm, publicly listed on Nasdaq with a diverse global shareholder base, asserted that its operations are independent, led by Indian professionals, and fully compliant with Indian data privacy laws. MakeMyTrip declined to engage further on the allegations, focusing instead on its commitment to customer service. The company’s response also highlighted its recent decision to halt promotions for travel to Turkey and Azerbaijan, aligning with India’s stance against nations supporting Pakistan during Operation Sindoor, a counter-terrorism strike in April 2025.
Pitti, undeterred, doubled down on May 16, dismissing MakeMyTrip’s appointment of a new Mauritius-based director on May 14 as a “cosmetic change.” He argued that a single board reshuffle cannot mask the “deep-rooted structure of Chinese-backed influence” shaping MakeMyTrip’s governance. His claims gain traction in the context of recent geopolitical frictions, including the Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 people and prompted Operation Sindoor. India’s subsequent expulsion of a Pakistani High Commission official for espionage and its revocation of security clearance for Turkish firm Celebi Airport Services underscore a broader crackdown on perceived foreign threats. Pitti’s allegations tap into this nationalist fervor, framing MakeMyTrip as a potential conduit for sensitive data to reach hostile powers.
The controversy has ignited a firestorm in India’s travel and tech sectors, with far-reaching implications. MakeMyTrip, a market leader with millions of users, handles vast amounts of personal data, including passports, payment details, and travel itineraries. Its armed forces discount program, while a standard industry practice, requires defense IDs, raising legitimate concerns about data security in a geopolitically volatile climate. Cybersecurity expert Anil Sharma warned, “Any platform with access to military personnel data must have ironclad protections, especially if foreign stakeholders are involved.” He noted that China’s data laws, which mandate corporate cooperation with state intelligence, could theoretically compel Trip.com to share information, though no evidence confirms such activity by MakeMyTrip.
Critics, however, argue that Pitti’s accusations are a calculated ploy to undermine a competitor. EaseMyTrip, which has positioned itself as a nationalist brand—evidenced by its boycott of Maldives travel in 2024 and Turkey-Azerbaijan advisories in 2025—stands to gain market share by casting doubt on MakeMyTrip’s loyalty. “This smells like corporate warfare dressed as patriotism,” said business analyst Priya Desai, pointing to EaseMyTrip’s stock surge of 10% following earlier nationalist campaigns. She questioned why Pitti did not raise the issue earlier, given Trip.com’s stake in MakeMyTrip since 2019, when it acquired 49% from Naspers. The timing, coinciding with military tensions, suggests a strategic move to capitalize on public sentiment, especially as both firms report mass cancellations for Turkey and Azerbaijan travel.
The government’s response remains unclear. The Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) have not publicly addressed Pitti’s claims, though sources indicate an internal review of travel platforms’ data practices is underway. India’s 2020 ban on Chinese apps like TikTok and WeChat, citing national security, sets a precedent for restricting firms with Chinese ties, but MakeMyTrip’s Indian incorporation and Nasdaq listing complicate regulatory action. Legal expert Rajesh Gupta noted, “The government must balance security with economic stability. Shutting down a major player like MakeMyTrip would disrupt the travel industry and investor confidence.”
The economic stakes are high. India’s online travel market, projected to reach $20 billion by 2027, relies on trust and seamless operations. MakeMyTrip’s 25-year legacy and robust data protection claims bolster its defense, but prolonged scrutiny could erode consumer confidence. Conversely, EaseMyTrip’s aggressive stance risks alienating customers who view it as fearmongering. Both firms face cancellations for Turkey and Azerbaijan travel due to Operation Sindoor, with MakeMyTrip reporting a 30% drop in bookings to these destinations, mirroring EaseMyTrip’s earlier advisories.
The case also highlights broader tensions around foreign investment in Indian tech. Chinese capital has fueled startups like Zomato and Paytm, but post-2020 border clashes with China, India tightened scrutiny of such investments. MakeMyTrip’s global shareholder base, including Vanguard Group and Trip.com, reflects the complexity of modern corporate structures, where nationality is less clear-cut. “The ‘Chinese ownership’ label is oversimplified,” said economist Vinod Kumar. “Publicly listed firms answer to diverse stakeholders, not just one country.” Still, Pitti’s focus on board composition raises valid concerns about governance influence, particularly in data-sensitive sectors.
For armed forces personnel, the allegations underscore the need for secure booking channels. The Indian Army has not commented, but defense analyst Anil Gupta urged the creation of a dedicated travel portal for military use, insulated from foreign access. “Troop movements are classified; even minor leaks can compromise operations,” he said. Meanwhile, consumers like Mumbai-based teacher Meera Rao expressed unease. “I’ve used MakeMyTrip for years, but now I’m second-guessing,” she said, reflecting a growing wariness among travelers.
As the feud unfolds, the government faces pressure to investigate without stifling competition. Pitti’s call for immediate action—“this loophole must be patched now”—has resonated with nationalist sentiments but risks escalating into a witch hunt. MakeMyTrip’s insistence on its Indian identity and compliance with laws aims to reassure users, but the shadow of Chinese influence lingers.
