PM Modi Calls for Global Framework to Combat Cyber Fraud

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called for global collaboration among technology companies, financial institutions, and telecom operators to establish a comprehensive framework aimed at curbing cyber fraud and the spread of deep fakes. Speaking at the India Mobile Congress 2026, Modi emphasized the critical need for robust security measures as telecom and digital technologies become increasingly integral to daily life.

"It is our priority to secure mobile phones and networks," stated Modi, highlighting that trust is paramount for citizens conducting transactions or communications via phone. He urged industry bodies like the GSMA and global telecom operators to develop a mechanism capable of preventing cyber fraud before it reaches the public.

The Prime Minister also offered India's extensive expertise in combating cybercrime to international regulators, noting the country's significant experience in this area. He suggested that discussions at the IMC would shape the future trajectory of telecommunications over the next decade, both within India and on a global scale.

India has been grappling with rising cyber fraud incidents. Between FY22 and FY26, Indians lost over ₹3,588.2 crore (approximately $430 million USD) across more than 5.83 lakh digital payment fraud cases. The government has implemented measures such as the Sanchar Saathi portal, which has logged 1.28 million inputs on suspected fraudulent communications, and the Financial Fraud Risk Indicator (FRI), credited with preventing over ₹5,000 crore in potential fraud losses.

Despite these efforts, approximately 7.1% of attempted digital consumer transactions in India were suspected of fraud in 2025, nearly double the global average of 3.8%. The Reserve Bank of India has also introduced a compensation mechanism to aid victims of cyber fraud, sharing a portion of unrecovered losses.