Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has strongly warned against the weaponisation of technology, urging countries to use innovation responsibly for the public good. Speaking at the Global Fintech Fest 2025 in Mumbai, she said technology must empower people, not divide nations.
Moreover, she highlighted that India has become a global fintech leader, setting new benchmarks in innovation, inclusion, and scale. According to her, India’s digital initiatives such as UPI and Aadhaar prove that technology can bring transparency and growth. She stated, “The simple motive is to use it for public good and not weaponise it.”
However, the Finance Minister expressed concern that some nations use their technological strength to restrict trade and innovation. Such actions, she warned, hurt global progress and weaken trust among nations. Therefore, she urged for greater cooperation and shared responsibility in the use of technology.
At the same time, she noted that India is negotiating trade deals with the United States, which has recently raised tariffs on Indian goods and increased H1B visa fees. These measures, she added, affect thousands of skilled Indian workers.
Furthermore, Sitharaman stressed that technology should unite people through inclusion and fairness. She said responsible innovation can promote economic growth and reduce inequality. Her remarks reflected India’s vision for an open, transparent, and cooperative digital future.
In conclusion, she called on global leaders to build trust and ensure technology serves humanity. “Only through collaboration can innovation become a true force for public good,” Sitharaman said.
