New Delhi: Nishant Pitti, Founder and Chairman of EaseMyTrip, has cautioned travellers about potential national security risks linked to certain travel platforms, warning that companies with significant Chinese ownership may be accessing Indian passport data.

In a post on social media platform X, Pitti said, "Before booking your travel, ask - is the platform truly aligned with Bharat, or majority-owned by foreign regimes hostile to us? @PMOIndia @MEAIndia @HMOIndia @GoI_MeitY Some popular travel apps, with significant Chinese ownership, may be accessing Indian passport data. This isn't just about business - it's a national security issue."

He also expressed support for an earlier post made by Rikant Pitti, CEO and Co-Founder of EaseMyTrip, highlighting the company's stand on the possible misuse of Indian travellers' data.

EaseMyTrip's stand on responsible travel

Earlier, Rikant Pitti pointed out that EaseMyTrip was the only online travel agency to boycott the Maldives, keeping bookings closed for over a year—not for attention, but out of respect for the nation until relations between the two countries began to normalise.

"After the Pahalgam terror attack, while many stayed silent, we were once again the first to issue a travel advisory against Turkey and Azerbaijan for their open support to Pakistan, urging Indian travellers to avoid non-essential visits," Rikant Pitti added.

He further said that as a proud Indian company, the safety and sentiments of Indian travellers have always guided their actions.

A call for collective responsibility

"We are heartened to see that many other travel platforms and companies are now taking similar stands. It's a positive sign of collective responsibility in moments that matter most. For us, it's not a slogan. It's our principle. Nation First. Business Later. Once again, thank you for supporting responsible travel decisions that put India first," Rikant Pitti stated.

Public reaction

Following recent tensions between India and Pakistan, EaseMyTrip advised Indian travellers to exercise utmost caution while visiting Turkey and Azerbaijan, citing both countries' support for Pakistan.

Additionally, social media users expressed their dissatisfaction, trending campaigns against these countries and urging Indians to demonstrate nationalism by avoiding vacations to Turkey and Azerbaijan.

(ANI inputs)