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FM Sitharaman chairs high-level meeting on AI cyber risks amid Anthropic Mythos concerns
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman chaired a high-level meeting with bank chiefs and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to discuss AI-driven cyber risks, focusing on Anthropic's Claude Mythos. She directed lenders to strengthen cybersecurity, adopt proactive measures, and establish real-time threat intelligence sharing with CERT-In and other agencies, while pursuing a coordinated, bank-led response led by the SBI chairman. The discussions emphasized vigilance and readiness as the government and RBI study potential AI risks.
Why It Matters
Shows a proactive government push to harden India's financial sector against emerging AI-driven cyber threats and to enhance coordination across banks, CERT-In, and regulators.
Timeline
1 Event
Finance Minister Sitharaman chairs high-level meeting on AI cyber risks with bank chiefs
April 23, 2026
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, accompanied by IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, chaired a high-level meeting with bank chiefs to discuss AI-driven cyber risks, particularly concerns around Anthropic’s Claude Mythos. She directed lenders to take all necessary pre-emptive measures to strengthen IT systems, protect customer data and safeguard financial resources. The finance ministry called for a real-time threat intelligence sharing mechanism among banks, Indian CERT-In, and other relevant agencies, and for banks to immediately report suspicious activity to CERT-In with close coordination with authorities. A coordinated response led by the Indian Banks’ Association was proposed, with the SBI chairman to lead efforts; banks were encouraged to onboard top cybersecurity professionals and specialized agencies to strengthen monitoring and defense. The discussions acknowledged Claude Mythos risks and the need for vigilance, while noting ongoing study by the government and RBI.