PM Modi warns against ‘vested interests’ misusing openness of democracy

In his keynote address at the three-day event organised by the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke on India’s technology evolution and revolution.

Delivering the keynote address at The Sydney Dialogue, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that the digital age has redefined politics, economy and society and is raising new questions on sovereignty, governance, ethics, law, rights and security. PM Modi said that openness is the biggest strength of democracy but warned against “few vested interests” misusing the openness.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted five “important transitions” taking place in India.

“The biggest strength of democracy is openness. At the same time, we should not allow a few vested interests to misuse this openness,” he said.

The prime minister also highlighted five “important transitions” taking place in the country as he spoke on India’s technology evolution and revolution at the three-day event organised by the Australian Strategic Policy Institute. The transitions include India's investment in developing indigenous capabilities in telecom technology such as 5G and 6G.

PM Modi said India is building the world's most extensive public information infrastructure, adding that over 1.3 billion Indians have a unique digital identity. Highlighting the fast-growing Startup Ecosystem of India, the prime minister said new unicorns are coming up every few weeks which provide solutions to everything ranging from health and education to national security.

PM Modi's address was preceded by Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison remarks where he said that Australia and India share a deep friendship.

The initiative is aimed at bringing together political, business and government leaders to “debate, generate new ideas, and work towards common understandings of the opportunities and challenges posed by emerging and critical technologies.”