PM Modi Hails India’s Digital Growth at IMC 2026, Calls for Global Framework to Combat Cybercrime

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday highlighted India’s expanding digital ecosystem and called for a coordinated international framework to combat cybercrime, digital fraud and emerging online threats. Addressing the India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2026, Modi urged governments, technology companies, telecom operators and financial institutions to work together to strengthen cybersecurity and protect digital users.

The Prime Minister emphasised that the rapid expansion of digital services has created new opportunities while also increasing the risks associated with online fraud, spam and manipulated content. He particularly raised concerns about deepfakes, urging the telecommunications industry to develop effective safeguards against fraudulent communications and misleading digital material.

Modi called for a collaborative approach in which cyber threats could be identified and prevented before they cause harm to individuals. He urged the Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA) and telecom operators worldwide to cooperate in tackling digital crime and improving online safety. Highlighting India’s technological progress, the Prime Minister pointed to the expansion of the country’s 5G network infrastructure and improvements in mobile internet connectivity. He said India had established approximately 550,000 5G base stations, while mobile internet speeds had increased tenfold since 2022.

Modi also highlighted the contribution of the Digital India initiative to public service delivery, financial inclusion and digital governance. He referred to the government’s Direct Benefit Transfer system, through which nearly ₹50 lakh crore had been transferred to beneficiaries, helping prevent an estimated ₹5 lakh crore from being misdirected.

The Prime Minister said India was increasingly moving beyond being a consumer of technology to becoming a developer of digital products, intellectual property and innovative solutions. He stressed the importance of strengthening domestic technological capabilities while expanding cooperation with international partners.

The India Mobile Congress 2026 provided a platform for discussions on telecommunications, digital infrastructure, emerging technologies and cybersecurity. Industry representatives and policymakers are increasingly focusing on how to ensure that rapid technological development is accompanied by stronger security measures. Modi’s address underscored the need to balance digital innovation with cybersecurity as online services become more deeply integrated into everyday life.