PM Modi inaugurates RBI data centre in Bhubaneswar to combat cyber threats

Protecting India's financial infrastructure

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Reserve Bank of India's new ₹169-crore data centre and cybersecurity training institute in Bhubaneswar on Sunday, warning that modern warfare increasingly targets national financial systems and calling for unyielding vigilance against digital threats.

Addressing the launch, Modi stated that modern conflicts are no longer fought with weapons alone, as adversaries can weaken a nation by attacking its economic backbone. As India's economy grows in size and global stature, safeguarding its banking infrastructure from cyber looters and cyber terrorists has become a national priority.

Upgrading digital defenses for the future

The Prime Minister emphasized that while the past decade focused on expanding financial access to hundreds of millions of unbanked citizens, the coming decade will prioritize making India's banking operations more efficient, reliable, and secure. Modern computing infrastructure and highly trained personnel are essential to replace legacy systems and confront evolving cyber risks.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman explained that the Bhubaneswar data centre will house the central bank's mission-critical operations, including the Real Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) and National Electronic Funds Transfer (NEFT) payment systems. The adjoining institute will train banking professionals in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and emerging technologies. Reserve Bank of India Governor Sanjay Malhotra confirmed that the central bank is committed to building indigenous technological capabilities to support India's vision of becoming a fully developed nation by 2047.

Empowering citizens through direct digital governance

Modi highlighted how digital connectivity and governance reforms have eliminated financial leakages, ensuring that government assistance flows directly into beneficiary bank accounts without intermediary losses. Government initiatives have systematically brought marginalized communities, small entrepreneurs, and women into the formal banking system.

Odisha as an emerging technological hub

Outlining the economic vision for eastern India, the Prime Minister highlighted Odisha's potential to evolve beyond its traditional mineral wealth into high-technology industries. With expanding investments in data centres, semiconductors, and advanced computing, Modi said the state is set to transform its economy "from mines to microchips," driving future regional growth.