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EaseMyTrip co-founder Nishant Pitti claimed that the Armed Forces officials are asked to provide their sensitive data to a China-backed company.
Pitti shared details about a few directors of the company who have “direct ties with China.” (Photo Credits: X)
Two of the most prominent online travel agencies, MakeMyTrip and EaseMyTrip, seem to be engaged in a verbal altercation over reduced ticket prices amid concerns about national security. It began with EaseMyTrip co-founder and chairman Nishant Pitti, who raised an alarming alarm about the Indian Armed Forces purchasing discounted tickets from a China-owned platform.
Taking to X on Wednesday, Pitti shared screenshots of MMT’s special offer for the officers of the Armed Forces, further revealing how the platform requires the officers to present defense IDs, routes, and other travel data that can be misused by India’s adversaries. “Our enemies know where our soldiers are flying. Attaching screenshots exposing this loophole – it must be patched now,” he wrote.
Indian Armed Forces book discounted tickets via a platform majorly owned by China, entering Defence ID, route & date.Our enemies know where our soldiers are flying.
Attaching screenshots exposing this loophole – it must be patched now. pic.twitter.com/L4SxHRmaCX
— Nishant Pitti (@nishantpitti) May 14, 2025
In a quick response to the claims, a MakeMyTrip spokesperson described them as “malicious and motivated,” further asserting that MMT is a “proud Indian company” founded by Indians, headquartered in India, and trusted by millions for over two decades.
Despite the travel portal’s strong dismissal of the security concerns, the EaseMyTrip co-founder has once again levelled similar accusations on social media. This time, Pitti shared details about a few directors of the company who have “direct ties with China.” He also claimed that the company’s strategic board committees are either led or significantly influenced by directors with clear Chinese affiliations, giving them disproportionate sway over critical decisions.
Lastly, Pitti went to criticise the recent appointment of a new non-Chinese director, stating that the reshuffle cannot mask the deep-rooted structure of Chinese influence. “MakeMyTrip may dismiss this as a ‘motivated accusation,’ but when national security is at stake, silence is not an option,” Pitti reiterated.
MakeMyTrip may dismiss this as a “motivated accusation” but when national security is at stake, silence is not an option. Board Under Influence Half of MakeMyTrip’s board – 5 out of 10 directors have direct ties to China, including pivotal appointments by… pic.twitter.com/MiT4PucSft
— Nishant Pitti (@nishantpitti) May 15, 2025
The post has left internet users divided. While many agreed with the EaseMyTrip co-founder, demanding a change in the leadership roles, others were not very convinced. One wrote, “For long we’ve been using MMT, which needs to be reviewed, and if this is true, it’s time to boycott MMT,” while another added, “Why reveal identity cards? This is a security threat.”
On the contrary, a user commented, “Why are all these articles and findings coming in the wake of the India-Pakistan conflict? Didn’t you know all this earlier? This is merely a desperate attempt to use sensitive issues to market your own company… shame on you!”
MakeMyTrip is yet to comment on the new claims about its directors having ties with China.
- Location :
Delhi, India, India
- First Published:
