Indian internet firms need more scale, revenue to compete globally: Pichai

Full potential of digital economy in the country not yet realised, holding companies back

India-born chief executive officer of Google Sundar Pichai said the country’s digital economy must reach its potential for local Internet companies to be competitive.

“How can I replace you at Google?” asked an Indian Institute of Technology (IIT)-Kharagpur student to Google Chief Executive Officer Sundar Pichai.

In the blink of an eye, came the reply: “Be careful what you wish for.” 

Returning to his alma mater on Thursday, Pichai, a 1994 alumnus of the premier tech institute, got the welcome of a rock star. He advised students to chase their dreams, but also had a reality check for Indian internet companies. He said