Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman highlighted the vulnerabilities facing India’s digital infrastructure, emphasizing the need for “tech-savvy forces” to safeguard the nation’s digital landscape during her address at the 4th convocation ceremony of the Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU) in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
“We must acknowledge the emerging challenges to our national security. Modern technology transcends borders, and while it enhances productivity, it is also exploited by malicious entities,” Sitharaman stated. She cautioned that the digital public infrastructure in India is under threat from individuals who misuse technological skills to potentially compromise critical systems, including those of stock markets, banks, and digital payment platforms. “As much as we require defense forces to secure our physical borders, we also need personnel who are proficient in technology to defend our digital interests, which play a crucial role in driving our economic growth,” she added.
She remarked that many developed nations do not possess the level of digital advancement that India has achieved in the past decade. “India is gaining recognition among rivals, and this growth is viewed with astonishment by many as we emerge as a democratic force. While there are numerous supporters of this progress, there are also those who oppose it and might pose challenges,” she explained.
Sitharaman noted that India is evolving into a significant hub for defense manufacturing. The country has transitioned from being the second-largest arms importer from 2015 to 2019 to ranking among the top 25 arms exporters. “More than 100 companies are now exporting advanced products like the BrahMos missile, Pinaka rocket systems, and Dornier aircraft. We have achieved remarkable growth in indigenous defense production, reaching a record high of ₹1.27 lakh crore in 2023-24, which is a 2.7-fold increase from 2014-15. Furthermore, defense exports soared to an all-time high of ₹21,083 crore in 2023-24, up from just ₹686 crore in 2013-14, marking a 30-fold increase,” she elaborated. Additionally, Sitharaman mentioned that India has successfully doubled its port capacity over the last decade.
