A corporate battle with national security undertones has erupted in the online travel sector, with EaseMyTrip Chairman Nishant Pitti accusing rival MakeMyTrip (MMT) of endangering defense personnel by potentially sharing booking data through a platform he alleges is significantly influenced by China.
Pitti initiated the controversy with a post on X (formerly Twitter), claiming that Indian armed forces personnel booking discounted tickets through MMT are unknowingly exposing their travel details – including Defence ID, route, and date – to potential adversaries. He supported his claims with screenshots. Pitti's post alluded to a loophole that could compromise the data security of Indian armed forces who use the platform to book tickets. He further stated that MakeMyTrip has "5 out of 10 directors [with] direct ties to China", and that Trip.com, a Chinese-owned company, is involved in the appointment of key personnel within MMT. He also claimed that three of the four most strategic board committees are either led or significantly influenced by directors with Chinese affiliations, giving them disproportionate sway over critical decisions.
MakeMyTrip has vehemently refuted these allegations, dismissing them as "malicious" and "motivated". A spokesperson for the company stated that MakeMyTrip is a "proud Indian company, founded by Indians, headquartered in India, and trusted by millions of Indian travellers for over 25 years". They further emphasized that the company is publicly listed on Nasdaq with a diverse, global shareholder base and adheres to stringent corporate governance and data privacy frameworks while complying with Indian laws. MMT also stated that its operations are independent and steered by a seasoned team of Indian professionals.
Pitti has since doubled down on his claims, asserting that MakeMyTrip's alleged Chinese ties pose a national security risk. He has dismissed MakeMyTrip's response as insufficient, stating that "when national security is at stake, silence is not an option". Pitti also argued that the appointment of a new director on May 14, 2025, does not change the "deep-rooted structure of Chinese-backed influence" within the company. He supported his claims by pointing out that James Jianzhang Liang, Chairman and co-founder of Trip.com, and Xing Xiong, COO of Trip.com, hold positions on MakeMyTrip's board.
The controversy has ignited a debate on social media, with users expressing varied opinions. Some users support Pitti's concerns, calling for a boycott of MakeMyTrip and emphasizing the importance of national security. Others question the validity of his claims, pointing out that MakeMyTrip has a diverse investor base and that Hong Kong-based investors owe economic interest to their shareholders.
This is not the first time EaseMyTrip has targeted MakeMyTrip with accusations of Chinese links. In January 2024, EaseMyTrip highlighted MakeMyTrip's Chinese ownership amidst a controversy involving the Maldives and Lakshadweep, hoping to attract users seeking a fully Indian-owned travel service.
The accusations come at a time when MakeMyTrip is already engaged in legal action against EaseMyTrip, alleging trademark infringement. The outcome of this ongoing dispute remains to be seen. Neither the Indian government nor the Defence Ministry has issued a statement on the claims.
