9 September 2026 Punjab Khabarnama Bureau : Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said emerging technologies such as agentic artificial intelligence (AI), tokenisation and quantum computing are opening new possibilities for the financial sector, while urging India’s fintech industry to turn these technological opportunities into real-world impact.
Addressing the Global Fintech Fest 2026 in Mumbai, Modi said India’s fintech journey had entered a new phase in which innovation must move beyond digital payments and expand into areas such as credit, insurance, savings, investments and pensions.
Focus on Agentic AI, Tokenisation and Quantum
Modi identified agentic AI, tokenisation and quantum technologies as important emerging areas that could reshape financial services.
He said the key challenge for the fintech industry was no longer simply identifying technological possibilities, but converting them into solutions that create tangible benefits for society.
Fintech Must Move Beyond Payments
The Prime Minister said India’s fintech success story has largely been built around payments, particularly through the Unified Payments Interface (UPI).
He called for the next phase of growth to extend fintech applications to credit, insurance, savings, investments and pension products, making these services as simple and accessible as digital payments.
UPI’s Global Expansion
Modi also called for expanding the global footprint of UPI.
India’s homegrown payment platform is already operational in several countries, and the Prime Minister said greater international integration could help Indian travellers, the diaspora and cross-border commerce.
Cybersecurity and Data Protection
Alongside technological innovation, Modi stressed the importance of cybersecurity and ethical data protection.
He urged fintech companies to establish strong security standards as digital financial services expand and become increasingly dependent on advanced technologies and data-driven systems.
Four Priorities for India’s Fintech Sector
Modi outlined a broader roadmap for the industry that includes:
- Expanding UPI’s global reach.
- Taking fintech beyond payments into wider financial services.
- Harnessing agentic AI, tokenisation and quantum technologies.
- Strengthening cybersecurity, ethical data protection and consumer protection.
Technology Must Deliver Real Impact
The Prime Minister said India’s fintech sector now has an opportunity to build on the scale achieved through digital payments.
The emphasis, he said, should be on ensuring that new technologies improve access to financial services and create practical benefits for citizens rather than remaining limited to technological demonstrations.
India’s Next Fintech Chapter
Modi’s remarks signal a push to position India as a global hub for next-generation financial technology.
The government’s emphasis is increasingly shifting from simply expanding digital payments to building a broader ecosystem covering financial access, data security, consumer protection and emerging technologies.