Modi Advocates for Global Cooperation Against Cyber Fraud at India Mobile Congress 2026
Global Framework Needed to Combat Cyber Threats
Modi greets the gathering during the inauguration of the 10th edition of the India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2026, in New Delhi. (Photo:PTI)
New Delhi, Oct 8: On Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the necessity for a worldwide framework to address cross-border cyber fraud and the escalating threat of deepfakes. He called upon governments, tech firms, telecom providers, and financial institutions to collaborate in order to thwart these fraudulent activities from affecting individuals.
“Technology can only achieve widespread acceptance when it earns trust. Cyber fraud and crimes disregard national borders and have already transcended them,” Modi stated during his address at the India Mobile Congress 2026.
He also pointed out the increasing risks posed by deepfakes, advocating for international cooperation to develop a framework to tackle these emerging challenges.
“It is essential that we establish a global framework for this purpose. All stakeholders, including governments, tech companies, telecom operators, and financial institutions, must engage with this initiative. I urge the GSMA and telecom operators worldwide to join us in creating a global mechanism that can prevent such fraud before it impacts the public,” Modi remarked.
The GSMA is an international organization that represents mobile operators and entities within the mobile ecosystem and related sectors.
Modi highlighted the importance of enhancing security frameworks surrounding telecom and digital technologies, noting that as these technologies expand rapidly, ensuring phone and network security becomes increasingly vital.
He also shared insights into India’s digital governance journey, mentioning that the Direct Benefit Transfer scheme has facilitated nearly Rs 50 lakh crore in direct transfers to beneficiaries' mobile-linked bank accounts, saving approximately Rs 5 lakh crore from falling into the “wrong hands.”
Modi expressed his commitment to eradicating “wrong practices.”
“Now, consider this: those whose illicit earnings have ceased, will they support Modi? Did I act correctly? Should this continue? Must we eliminate these wrongdoings? Regardless of their protests, I am resolute in my mission,” he asserted.
Modi spoke at the inaugural session of the 10th India Mobile Congress, taking place at Yashobhoomi in New Delhi from October 7 to 10, with the theme “Scale Without Boundaries.”
Notable attendees included Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, Bharti Group Chairman Sunil Bharti Mittal, Reliance Jio Infocomm Chairman Akash Ambani, and Aditya Birla Group Chairman Kumar Mangalam Birla.
The 2026 edition of the congress will spotlight nine key sectors, such as 5G and 6G, next-gen AI networks, semiconductors, non-terrestrial networks, cybersecurity, quantum communication, enterprise transformation, circular economy and ESG, and electronics manufacturing.
Additionally, it will introduce four new focus areas: smart mobility, stadium experiences, industrial robotics, and transport technology. The event is anticipated to attract over 150,000 participants from more than 100 countries, with involvement from over 500 partners and exhibitors, 600 startups, and 900 thought leaders. It will showcase more than 2,000 technology use cases and host over 120 sessions.