‘Need help, not this’: Mohandas Pai hits out at Startup Mahakumbh display comparing India, China

Former Infosys CFO and investor Mohandas Pai publicly questioned the inclusion of the display.

Startup Mahakumbh 2025, currently underway at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, has become the centre of a growing conversation after a display board comparing the startup ecosystems of India and China sparked a wave of online reactions. The board, titled “India Vs China: The Startup Reality Check”, has drawn both criticism and support from attendees and members of the wider startup community.

The display contrasted the technological focus of Chinese startups—highlighting areas such as electric vehicles (EVs), battery technology, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, global logistics, robotics, automation, and infrastructure—with the sectors represented by Indian startups, which included food delivery, instant grocery services, influencer-driven content, fantasy sports, and lifestyle businesses.

Former Infosys CFO and investor Mohandas Paipublicly questioned the inclusion of the display, suggesting it risked undermining Indian entrepreneurs. Sharing a photo of the board on X (formerly Twitter), Pai tagged Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and wrote: “This is at Start up MahaKumbh in Delhi. Minister ⁦@PiyushGoyal⁩ why are the organisers pushing Chinese propaganda against India? We have more than 4500 deep tech start ups as per Traxn. They are small due to lack of capital because funding is less. Need help not this.”

This is at Start up MahaKumbh in Delhi. Minister @PiyushGoyal why are the organizers pushing Chinese propaganda against India? We have more than 4500 deep tech start ups as per Traxn. They are small due to lack of capital because funding is less. Need help not this. pic.twitter.com/RNv09sJKaV

Mohandas Pai (@TVMohandasPai) April 4, 2025

Several others online expressed concern about the tone and message of the board, calling it discouraging and unconstructive. “Extremely poor taste on the part of the organisers,” one user wrote. Another added, “From inspiring startup founders to insulting startup founders. We have come a long way – on the wrong side.”

A third user commented, “Self-introspection is one thing. Self-ridicule is completely different. Displaying such a standee at ‘Startup Mahakumbh ~ Bharat Innovates’ is absurd!”

However, some voices defended the board, saying it reflected a candid assessment of the challenges facing Indian startups. One social media user remarked, “This is a reality, not propaganda. We genuinely need support—but that support should come from investors who are willing to invest in India, not just profit from it.”

The broader discussion comes shortly after comments made by Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal at the same event, where he raised questions about the direction of India’s startup ecosystem.

“Should we aspire to be, or are we going to be happy being delivery boys and girls?” he asked.

He continued, “What are India’s startups of today? We are focused on food delivery apps, turning unemployed youth into cheap labour so the rich can get their meals without moving out of their house.”

The minister added, “We are very proud of what India has done, but are we the best in the world as yet? Not yet.”

His remarks have been interpreted in different ways—some viewing them as a call to action for deeper innovation and long-term vision, while others saw them as unfairly critical of service-driven startups that have created significant employment and consumer convenience.

Startup Mahakumbh, which aims to showcase innovation, foster partnerships, and connect entrepreneurs with global investors, continues to host discussions and exhibitions from a range of industries.