CERT-In Engages Foreign Media on India’s Cybersecurity Strategy

The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In), operating under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), organised a cybersecurity familiarisation and interaction programme on Friday for visiting journalists from Europe, the Americas, and Central Asia.

The session was held in collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and aimed to provide an in-depth overview of India’s cybersecurity framework, emerging cyber threats, and the country’s expanding role in global cyber defence efforts. The interaction was chaired by CERT-In Director General and Controller of Certifying Authorities, Sanjay Bahl.

CERT-In’s Mandate and Role in India’s Cyber Ecosystem

Core Responsibilities Outlined

Addressing the international delegation, Sanjay Bahl explained CERT-In’s wide-ranging mandate, which includes:

Key Functions of CERT-In

• Cyber incident response and crisis management

• Vulnerability assessment and threat analysis

• Information sharing with domestic and global stakeholders

• Empanelment of cybersecurity auditors

• Delivery of specialised training and awareness programmes

He said CERT-In plays a central role in strengthening India’s cyber resilience through research collaborations, public–private partnerships, and active participation in international forums, in line with the government’s Digital India vision.

India’s Rise as a Global Cybersecurity Hub

 Startups, Talent, and Industry Growth

Bahl highlighted India’s growing stature in the global cybersecurity ecosystem, noting that the country is supported by over 400 cybersecurity startups and a skilled workforce of more than 6.5 lakh professionals. These capabilities together underpin a cybersecurity industry valued at approximately USD 20 billion.

He added that Indian firms are increasingly developing advanced solutions in areas such as threat detection, cyber forensics, and AI-based security monitoring, positioning India as a key innovation hub in the cyber domain.

Artificial Intelligence and the Evolving Threat Landscape

AI as a Tool for Defence and Attack

Referring to rapid technological changes, Bahl said Artificial Intelligence has become a “double-edged sword”, as it empowers both cyber defenders and malicious actors.

He explained that CERT-In leverages AI-driven analytics and automation to enable real-time detection and response, while simultaneously developing strategies to counter AI-enabled cyber threats that are growing in scale and sophistication.

Capacity Building and Global Cooperation

International Collaboration and Cyber Drills

The visiting journalists were briefed on CERT-In’s extensive capacity-building initiatives, including:

Key International and Domestic Efforts

• Regular national and sectoral cyber drills

• Joint exercises with international partners

• CERT-In has also partnered with France’s National Cybersecurity Agency (ANSSI) to jointly develop a comprehensive, high-level risk assessment report focused on Artificial Intelligence.

  In addition, the agency’s efforts to enhance cybersecurity safeguards for cooperative banks and to secure citizens’ digital devices were highlighted as key initiatives aimed at strengthening India’s overall cyber resilience.

These efforts were featured in the World Economic Forum’s Global Cybersecurity Outlook 2025, reflecting international recognition of India’s approach.

Ransomware Trends and CERT-In’s Response

Bahl noted that India reported 147 ransomware incidents in 2024. He said CERT-In’s coordinated response mechanisms and real-time intelligence sharing played a crucial role in significantly mitigating their impact, helping organisations respond faster and reduce damage.

Conclusion

The interaction with foreign journalists underscored India’s growing prominence in global cybersecurity governance. With a strong institutional framework, a rapidly expanding talent pool, and increasing use of advanced technologies such as AI, CERT-In continues to strengthen national cyber resilience while deepening international cooperation. As cyber threats become more complex and borderless, India’s proactive and collaborative approach positions it as a key player in shaping the future of global cyber defence.