October 7, 2025 : Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday warned against the growing weaponisation of technology, urging global leaders and policymakers to promote its use for the collective good of humanity rather than as a tool for control, surveillance, or economic coercion.
Speaking at an international policy forum in New York, Sitharaman underlined the urgent need for ethical governance of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), quantum computing, and cybersecurity infrastructure.
“Technology must not become a means to divide or dominate; it must empower and connect,” she said, addressing diplomats, economists, and industry experts at the event.
Weaponisation of Technology: A Global Concern
The term “weaponisation of technology” refers to the use of digital tools, platforms, and innovation in ways that harm societies—such as cyberattacks, misinformation campaigns, data exploitation, and economic blackmail through control of tech supply chains.
Sitharaman noted that while technology has been an engine of progress, its misuse has created new threats to financial stability, privacy, and international security.
She cited examples of recent global incidents, including cyber intrusions targeting financial institutions, misuse of artificial intelligence for surveillance, and manipulation of digital platforms to influence democratic processes.
“The 21st century’s most powerful resource is data. Its misuse can destabilise economies and democracies alike,” Sitharaman observed.
India’s Approach to Responsible Innovation
Highlighting India’s progress in digital governance, the Finance Minister said the country’s approach to technology has been “inclusive and human-centric.”
Under initiatives such as Digital India, Aadhaar, Unified Payments Interface (UPI), and the India Stack, India has demonstrated how technology can drive transparency, financial inclusion, and service delivery at scale.
She added that India’s digital public infrastructure has become a model for several developing nations seeking affordable and secure technology ecosystems.
“India believes in building technology that bridges—not widens—global inequalities. Digital solutions should serve society, not the other way around,” Sitharaman said.
Collaboration for Global Standards
Sitharaman called for international cooperation to create a regulatory architecture that balances innovation with accountability. She proposed:
- Ethical AI frameworks guided by transparency and fairness.
- Cybersecurity collaborations to prevent cross-border attacks.
- Data protection agreements to safeguard citizens’ privacy.
- Open technology sharing between developed and developing countries.
The Minister emphasised that unilateral digital restrictions or tech nationalism can deepen global inequality. Instead, democratic and open digital partnerships can ensure technology is used to solve real-world challenges—from climate change to public health and education.
Digital Divide and Development Goals
The Finance Minister also drew attention to the widening digital divide between advanced economies and the Global South. Many developing nations continue to lack access to affordable internet, secure data infrastructure, and modern digital tools.
“Technology must not reinforce old hierarchies,” she said, urging multilateral institutions like the World Bank and IMF to invest in digital infrastructure in low-income nations.
India’s G20 presidency earlier this year, she reminded the audience, had made digital inclusion a major focus area—emphasizing trust, accessibility, and collaboration in digital economies.
Weaponisation in Financial Systems
Sitharaman also warned that digital payment systems and financial technologies, if monopolised by a few powerful nations or corporations, could be used as instruments of economic coercion.
She noted that sanctions-driven disruptions, control over payment gateways, and selective access to critical technologies have already raised concerns about fairness and sovereignty.
“Financial systems must remain open, interoperable, and resilient. Technology should promote trust, not dependence,” she stated.
The Finance Minister reiterated India’s support for multilateral digital governance, where developing nations have an equal voice in designing global norms.
Industry and Expert Reactions
Global tech leaders and policy experts welcomed Sitharaman’s remarks, describing them as a “balanced call” for responsible digital governance.
Dr. Rajeev Menon, a cybersecurity researcher based in Singapore, said:
“Her comments reflect India’s growing leadership in shaping global digital ethics. The world needs frameworks that prevent weaponisation but still encourage innovation.”
Economists added that as technologies like AI and blockchain mature, governments must create guardrails to ensure these tools remain accessible and secure for all.
India’s Role in the Global Tech Future
Sitharaman also highlighted India’s potential as a trusted technology partner in global supply chains. The country’s focus on semiconductor manufacturing, AI research, and cybersecurity aligns with its goal of becoming a key digital economy hub by 2030.
She concluded her speech by reaffirming India’s belief in technology as a force for peace and progress, not division.
“If the world can agree on ethical standards for technology, we can unlock innovation that benefits everyone—from a farmer in Bihar to a student in Africa,” she said.
Conclusion
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s remarks come amid rising geopolitical concerns about data sovereignty, AI regulation, and cyber threats. Her appeal for collaboration, trust, and fairness in technology use reinforces India’s image as a responsible global digital leader.
As global economies become increasingly interconnected, her message serves as a reminder that technology’s true power lies in empowerment, not domination.
Summary
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman cautioned against the weaponisation of technology, urging global cooperation to ensure innovation promotes inclusion, fairness, and security. She called for ethical frameworks and equitable digital access worldwide.