EaseMyTrip co-founder Nishant Pitti has fiercely criticized MakeMyTrip’s (MMT) official response to his serious allegations regarding data security lapses, defense sector vulnerabilities, and potential Chinese affiliations. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Pitti asserted he wouldn’t remain silent on matters of national security.
“MakeMyTrip may label this a ‘motivated accusation’, but when national security is at risk, staying silent isn’t an option,” Pitti posted. He further claimed that five out of ten MMT board members have direct links to China and alleged that key appointments within the company are influenced by Trip.com, a Chinese-owned enterprise. Supporting his assertions, Pitti shared screenshots of profiles connected to MMT and Trip.com.
The controversy quickly sparked debate on social media, with users picking sides in what has become a digital standoff. Some rallied behind Pitti, expressing concern over the alleged Chinese ties, while others defended MakeMyTrip and questioned the credibility of the accusations.
One user posted, “MMT’s top investors are: Mirae Investments HK: 34.42%, Baillie Gifford & Co.: 7.35%, Fidelity: 6.56%, Schroder IM HK: 5.87%, Deep Kalra: 3.3%. There’s no sign of Chinese majority ownership. Hong Kong investors are accountable to their global stakeholders.”
Another wrote, “This seems more like an attempt to discredit the competition.” Yet others took Pitti’s claims seriously, with one saying, “We’ve been using MMT for years—if this is true, it’s time to reconsider.” Another user added, “I’ve just deleted my MMT account. This feels like a Chinese proxy operation.”
MakeMyTrip Responds
In a statement issued to HT.com, MakeMyTrip responded:
“MakeMyTrip is a proud Indian company, founded and led by Indians, headquartered in India, and trusted by millions for over 25 years. As a publicly listed entity on Nasdaq, our shareholder base is global and diverse. We operate independently, under the leadership of seasoned Indian professionals, and uphold the highest standards of corporate governance in full compliance with Indian laws and data protection norms. We do not comment on malicious or motivated accusations and remain committed to delivering outstanding service as a responsible Indian brand.”
