Future conflicts will target economies, not armies: Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday inaugurated a Rs 169 crore data centre and cybersecurity training institute operated by the Reserve Bank of India in Bhubaneswar, using the occasion to underscore emerging threats to national security in the digital age.

Addressing concerns about evolving conflict strategies, Modi cautioned that future wars may increasingly target a country's economic systems and financial infrastructure rather than relying on conventional military engagement. The shift reflects growing recognition among policymakers of the vulnerability of digital economies to cyber attacks and information warfare.

The new RBI facility in the Odisha capital represents a significant infrastructure investment aimed at strengthening India's banking and financial sector defences against cyber threats. The data centre and training institute are designed to enhance the security protocols and workforce capabilities needed to protect the nation's critical financial systems.

The initiative aligns with broader government efforts to build digital resilience across key sectors. As India's economy becomes increasingly digitised, protecting banking networks and financial infrastructure from cyber attacks has emerged as a strategic national priority, officials said.