Black Swan Summit 2026

President Droupadi Murmu on 6 February underscored the need to ensure that technology, particularly financial technology (fintech), becomes a powerful instrument for social justice, gender equality and inclusion, rather than remaining confined to technological advancement alone.

Addressing the Black Swan Summit, India, organised by the Government of Odisha in collaboration with the Global Finance and Technology Network in Bhubaneswar, the President said that India’s fintech journey should be remembered not only as a story of innovation but also as a story of gender justice.

Highlighting India’s rapid digital and financial transformation over the past decade, President Murmu noted that direct benefit transfers (DBT) and digital payments have emerged as a lifeline for farmers, small shopkeepers and women across the country.

She pointed out that with over 57 crore Jan Dhan accounts, of which more than 56 per cent are held by women, fintech has significantly expanded financial inclusion, trust and participation in the formal financial system.

The two-day summit brought together policymakers, technologists, financial institutions and investors to deliberate on a wide range of issues, including fintech and artificial intelligence innovation, sustainable finance, digital public infrastructure, and the empowerment of small and medium enterprises (SMEs).