Narendra Modi: Use technology as a means to development, not destruction

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses the Indian community at Dubai Opera where he launched a project for construction of the first Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi. Pic/PTI

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday cautioned against the misuse of cyberspace to ensure they do not become a source of radicalisation, asserting that technology should be harnessed as a tool for development, not destruction.

The comments by Modi at the World Government Summit in his plenary address come at a time when the world community is engaged in efforts to address the misuse and abuse of cyberspace by terrorists and hackers. During his address, 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.

Modi told the audience that India is aspiring to assume leadership position in Artificial Intelligence, Nano, cybsersecurity and cloud computing. Modi said that even after all the development, poverty and malnutrition have still not been eliminated.

"On the other side we are investing 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. India is the 'Guest Country' at the sixth edition of the World Government Summit.

First Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi Prime Minister
Narendra Modi yesterday officially launched a project for the construction of the first Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi, describing the holy place as a "catalytic agent" of humanity and harmony that will become a medium of India's identity. Modi laid the foundation stone for the BAPS Swaminarayan temple via video conferencing from the Dubai Opera House, where he addressed the members of the Indian community.

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Participants from 140 countries who were at the World Govt. Summit.

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