Must bolster tech-savvy security to safeguard digital growth: FM 

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman underlined the rising challenges in digital security, extending beyond physical borders

January 16, 2025

India needs tech-savvy forces to protect its digital infrastructure, vital for economic growth, from potential misuse of technology

India’s digital public infrastructure is threatened by attacks targeting sectors such as banking, stock markets, payments, and e-commerce platforms

The FM highlighted India's shift from the world’s second-largest arms importer to a top-25 defence exporter

Defence exports surged to INR 21,083 crore in 2023–24, marking a 30-fold increase over the last decade

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said at the fourth convocation of Rashtriya Raksha University in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, that India must develop technologically adept security forces to address emerging threats to its digital infrastructure, which has become a key driver of economic growth.

“Technology transcends borders, and while it enhances productivity, it is also vulnerable to misuse by vested interests and dark forces,” Sitharaman remarked. She stressed that India’s digital public infrastructure—spanning financial services, online marketplaces, and other platforms—requires robust protection to maintain its integrity and resilience.

Acknowledging India’s rapid rise as a digital powerhouse, Sitharaman observed that many developed nations lag behind India’s digital transformation over the past decade. “India’s growth has captivated competitors and well-wishers alike, but it also invites challenges from those who view such progress as a threat,” she noted.

The FM emphasised that securing digital frontiers is as critical as protecting physical borders. “We need forces within the country that are tech-savvy and aware of the digital threats we face,” she added.

Sitharaman also highlighted India’s remarkable progress in defence production and exports. Defence production reached a record INR 1.27 trillion in 2023–24, a 2.7-fold increase compared to 2014–15. Defence exports achieved an all-time high of INR 21,083 crore in 2023–24, representing a 30-fold surge from INR 686 crore in 2013–14.

India’s transformation from the world’s second-largest arms importer to one of the top 25 defence exporters underscores its commitment to self-reliance and global competitiveness in defence technology. Sitharaman’s address highlighted the dual need for advanced physical and digital defence capabilities to secure India’s future as a global economic and technological leader.

Source: Business Standard

Recent Articles

GST Council approves sweeping rate cuts under simplified two-tier system

September 4, 2025

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday announced major Goods and …

Read More

Services sector sees fastest growth in 15 years

September 3, 2025

India’s service activity raced to a 15-year high of 62.9 …

Read More

Semicon India 2025: PM Modi hails India’s fab power as key to change

September 2, 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Semicon India 2025, underscoring India’s …

Read More