Call for Tech-Savvy Soldiers to Guard India's Online Environment: FM

Finance Minister (FM) Nirmala Sitharaman stated on January 13, 2025, that India must develop tech-savvy forces to safeguard its digital world, which is a driver of economic growth, at a time when technology, if abused by special interests, can jeopardise the nation's financial services and national security.

Speaking at Rashtriya Raksha University's fourth convocation event in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, Sitharaman stated that India must now acknowledge the new security threats it faces, which go beyond its boundaries. Technology doesn't wait to recognise boundaries these days. Even though technology can help us be more productive, some vested interests or evil forces are also abusing it.

Digital Public Infrastructure Needs to Strengthen

The FM stated that the digital public infrastructure of the country, which has become a source of empowerment for the populace, is also exposed to threats, such as those posed by banks, the stock market, payment institutions, or platforms that operate online marketing or taxi services.

According to Sitharaman, India is expanding in the eyes of all of its rivals, many of whom find this growth to be astounding. Numerous well-wishers may be present. According to the FM, there are those who believe that this should not be considered, and who can argue with us?

She pointed out that many people in the developed world lack the digital skills that India has exhibited over the last ten years. In addition to using physical force to guard its borders, the nation also requires tech-savvy forces that are aware of the dangers they face, Sitharaman stated.

Sitharaman emphasised that India, which was among the top 25 arms exporters and the second-largest importer of arms from 2015 to 2019, is now a net exporter. According to her, India's defence production hit a new high of INR 1.27 trillion in 2023–2024, a 2.7-fold increase over 2014–2015. From INR 686 crore in 2013–14 to INR 21,083 crore in 2023–24, defence exports likewise reached an all-time high. "Defence exports have increased thirtyfold," she said.

Importance of  Coastal Security and Maritime Trade

In addition to praising Rashtriya Raksha University for educating Indian coastal security troops and pointing out that ships transport more than 80% of the world's goods trade, Sitharaman emphasised the significance of maritime trade and coastal security for national security.

India's port capacity has doubled in the past ten years, she added, underscoring the government's emphasis on enhancing port infrastructure. India has increased its port capacity in the past ten years. "And I want you to be sure that the policy of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is to ensure that our borders are given that much attention with policy and money," she said.

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