Centre directs smartphone makers to preload ‘undeletable’ Sanchar Saathi App

The Narendra Modi government has directed smartphone manufacturers to preload their devices with the state-owned cyber security application Sanchar Saathi.

According to multiple media reports, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has asked companies such as Apple, Xiaomi, and Samsung to pre-install an “undeletable” version of the Sanchar Saathi app on all smartphones sold from March 2026.

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As per the directive, manufacturers must ensure that users cannot disable or restrict the app’s functionalities.

For devices already sold in the market, manufacturers have reportedly been instructed to push the Sanchar Saathi app through software updates.

What is the Sanchar Saathi App?

Sanchar Saathi is a government-owned mobile application. According to its official website, it is a citizen-centric initiative of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) aimed at “empowering mobile subscribers, strengthening their security, and increasing awareness about citizen-centric initiatives of the Government.”

The app offers several services, including end-user security, telecom security, and information security. It can block a stolen phone, alert users about suspected fraud, and allow them to check mobile connections registered under their name.

One of its key features is Chakshu, which means “eye” in English.

“Chakshu facilitates citizens to report suspected fraudulent communications intended to defraud telecom service users for cybercrimes, financial frauds, impersonation, or any other misuse through calls, SMS, or WhatsApp,” the Sanchar Saathi website states.

Chakshu also enables users to report financial frauds, phishing links, unverified APKs, device-cloning attempts, or other misuse originating from SMS, RCS, iMessage, and social media platforms such as WhatsApp and Telegram.

Sanchar Saathi is available as both a mobile app and a web portal at sancharsaathi.gov.in.