‘Wars no longer fought with weapons alone’: PM Modi flags cyber security threats | India News - Hindustan Times

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a gathering of technology leaders and security officials on Tuesday, warning that modern conflicts are no longer limited to traditional battlefields. He quoted the phrase “Wars no longer fought with weapons alone” to underline the growing role of cyber attacks. Modi highlighted recent disruptions to critical infrastructure in several countries as evidence that digital systems are now prime targets. He urged Indian businesses and government agencies to treat cyber threats with the same seriousness as physical attacks. The speech set the tone for a series of policy announcements later in the day.

India’s rapid digitalisation has made its economy increasingly dependent on online platforms for banking, commerce and public services. A breach in any of these systems could disrupt millions of users and erode confidence in the nation’s financial stability. Recent ransomware incidents targeting Indian hospitals and municipal bodies have shown how quickly attackers can force services to shut down. Analysts estimate that cybercrime costs could rise sharply as more devices connect to the internet. For Indian readers, the message is clear: personal data and everyday transactions are now vulnerable to sophisticated foreign and domestic actors.

In response, the government announced the formation of a new cyber-security task force that will coordinate among ministries, state agencies and private sector partners. The task force will prioritize the protection of critical infrastructure, develop rapid response protocols and promote awareness programs for small and medium enterprises. Modi also called for stronger international cooperation to track and prosecute hackers operating across borders. The upcoming budget is expected to allocate additional funds for research and development in encryption technologies. Observers will watch how quickly these measures translate into concrete safeguards for citizens and businesses.