Sanchar Saathi optional for mobile users, says Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia

A day after the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) issued a statement mandating pre-installation of Sanchar Saathi application on all mobile handsets manufactured or imported for use in India, communications minister Jyotiraditya Scindia has stated that it’s not a mandatory for the users to register on the app.

“If you don’t wish to use this application, then don’t register. It'd stay dormant. If you want to delete it, do it. It is our duty to ensure that this app reaches every citizen in order to ensure cybersecurity. If you don’t need it, don’t register. It won’t be active unless you register,” the minister said while speaking to the media outside the Parliament house some time back.

This comes amid the several criticisms raised by opposition parties, and the concerns raised by smartphone manufacturers. Apple Inc., is reportedly not planning to comply with the DoT directive. Apple plans to tell the government that it does not follow such mandates anywhere in the world as they raise a host of privacy issues for their iOS platform, according to a Reuters report, quoting sources.

The DoT on Monday, December 2, 2025, said that it had issued directions to manufacturers and importers on November 28, 2025, to ensure compliance in 90 days. They have been asked to pre-install Sanchar Saathi mobile application on all mobile handsets manufactured or imported for use in India.

The DoT release also said that for those devices that are already manufactured and in sales in India, the manufacturer should push the application through software updates. Additionally, the government has also asked the manufacturers to make sure that the Sanchar Saathi app is “readily visible and accessible” to end users at the time of first use or device setup, and its functionalities are not disabled or restricted.

Industry seeks clarity

Telecom manufacturers are hoping to receive clarity from the government soon. Tech giants such as Apple and Samsung are expected to put up a legal fight with the government of India if it comes as a mandatory requirement. It is interesting to note that in March 2021, complying to the Russian regulations, Apple had prompted users of the new iPhone, iPad and Mac, with an option to go to a new page in the App Store to load applications suggested by the Russian government. The following month, the Russian government brought in a legislation requiring pre-installation of Russian software on products such as smartphones and tablets, desktop and laptop computers, and smart TVs. According to reports, Apple reached a deal with the Russian Ministry of Digital Affairs where it would prompt new iPhone or iPad users to install a selection of Russian apps, while most Android manufacturers including Samsung generally complied by including the required applications either through pre-installed or via the setup process.