India is actively engaging with the United States and leading artificial intelligence company Anthropic to secure early access to its advanced AI model, Mythos, for domestic enterprises. The move reflects growing concerns around cybersecurity, data protection, and the strategic importance of cutting-edge AI tools in safeguarding critical infrastructure.
The Indian government is exploring multiple avenues to gain access to Mythos, including high-level bilateral discussions with the United States. These conversations are aimed at ensuring that Indian organizations are not left behind in adopting next-generation AI tools that could significantly impact cybersecurity preparedness.
In addition to government-level talks, Indian officials are also in discussions directly with Anthropic at its US headquarters. These engagements are focused on working out the logistics and frameworks required to extend early access of the model to Indian companies.
Mythos is being described as a highly advanced AI system capable of identifying and exploiting zero-day vulnerabilities—security flaws that are unknown to developers and can be exploited before they are patched. This capability makes it both a powerful defensive tool and a potential threat if misused.
According to reports, Mythos can detect tens of thousands of vulnerabilities, a massive leap compared to just 500 identified by Anthropic’s previous model, Opus 4.6. This exponential improvement highlights the rapid evolution of AI-driven cybersecurity tools.
Indian authorities are keen to ensure that access to such a powerful AI system is equitable and does not compromise the country’s critical infrastructure. The aim is to provide Indian companies with the same capabilities as their global counterparts, especially in sectors like banking, telecom, and digital services.
Nirmala Sitharaman has raised concerns about the risks posed by advanced AI models to financial data security. During a recent meeting with banking leaders, she urged institutions to adopt proactive measures to safeguard IT systems and protect customer data.
At a subsequent event, she warned:
“No one would have imagined a couple of weeks ago that there is a new threat which is as big as a threat of war that is going to hit us in terms of the entire digital network,” emphasizing the urgency of preparedness.
Under its Project Glasswing, Anthropic has granted early access to Mythos to 40 companies, most of which are based in the United States. The initiative is designed to allow selected organizations to test the model’s capabilities in identifying vulnerabilities and strengthening their systems before the public release.
India’s IT industry body NASSCOM has already approached Anthropic to include Indian firms in this early access program. This reflects the broader industry demand for tools that can help mitigate emerging cyber threats.
India’s rapidly expanding digital ecosystem—spanning fintech, e-commerce, telecommunications, and public digital infrastructure—makes it particularly vulnerable to sophisticated cyberattacks. Access to advanced AI tools like Mythos could significantly enhance the country’s ability to detect and neutralize threats in real time.
Globally, governments and corporations are increasingly investing in AI-driven cybersecurity solutions. With the rise of generative AI and autonomous systems, the ability to identify vulnerabilities at scale is becoming a critical competitive advantage.
While Mythos offers immense potential for strengthening cybersecurity, its ability to exploit vulnerabilities also raises ethical and regulatory concerns. Policymakers must strike a balance between enabling innovation and preventing misuse.
India is already working on AI governance frameworks to address risks associated with advanced technologies. Early access to Mythos could also help regulators better understand the capabilities and risks of such systems.
India’s efforts to secure early access to Anthropic’s Mythos AI model underscore the growing importance of advanced cybersecurity tools in a digital-first world. With its ability to identify tens of thousands of vulnerabilities, Mythos represents a significant leap in AI capabilities—one that could redefine how nations and companies approach digital security.
However, the move also highlights the challenges of managing powerful technologies that can both protect and disrupt. Ensuring equitable access, safeguarding critical infrastructure, and building robust regulatory frameworks will be key to leveraging such innovations effectively.
If successful, India’s initiative could position its companies at the forefront of AI-driven cybersecurity, strengthening resilience in an increasingly complex threat landscape.