Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday cautioned the world against the misuse of cyberspace to ensure it did not become a source of radicalisation, asserting that technology should be harnessed as a tool for development, not destruction.
The comments by Mr. Modi at the World Government Summit in his plenary address comes at a time when the world community is engaged in efforts to address the misuse of cyberspace by terrorists and hackers.
An ally to growth
During the course of his address, Mr. Modi highlighted the importance of assimilating technology with governance to ensure equitable growth and prosperity for all.
He emphasised the role technology was playing in India’s development.
The Prime Minister told the audience that India is aspiring to assume leadership position in Artificial Intelligence, Nano, cybersecurity and cloud computing.
He received loud cheers when he referred to what he called the 5Es and the 6Rs while talking about governance and technology.
Mr. Modi said that even after all the development, poverty and malnutrition have not been eliminated.
“On the other side we are investing a large portion of money, time and resources on missiles and bombs. We must use technology as a means to development, not destruction,” he told the gathering that included Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and the ruler of Dubai.
He expressed concern over attempts by some people to radicalise cyberspace with the use of technology, referring to its use by jihadists to recruit cadres online.
India is the ‘Guest Country’ at the sixth edition of the World Government Summit, which is being attended by more than 4,000 participants from 140 countries.
“It is a matter of pride for not only me but also the 125 crore people of India that I have been called as the Chief Guest at the World Government Summit,” Mr. Modi said.
Desert transformed
He hailed the use of technology by the Dubai government, saying a desert has been transformed.
“It’s a miracle,” he said, describing the Gulf emirate as an example for the world. Noting that 9.5% of the world’s population lives below the poverty line, he said, “Today there are great challenges... Poverty, unemployment, education, housing and human catastrophes.”
“We can all overcome them through development. This is what my Government is working on using technology,” he said.
Stating that his government’s mantra is “sabke saath, sabka vikas”, he said India has focused on the key sectors to empower its 125 crore people i.e one-sixth of humanity, contributing to the development of mankind as a whole.
