India and the United States are building a digital alliance to keep interconnected systems safe and resilient through joint initiatives in cybersecurity.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visits to the US in 2023 and 2024 deepened the US-India partnership, with cybersecurity emerging as a central focus, as highlighted in White House briefings in both years. This partnership reflects a unified commitment to tackling cyber threats, protecting critical digital infrastructure, and promoting global stability in an increasingly interconnected world.
The agreement goes beyond government-level strategy to address critical areas of daily life, such as secure communications, defence, and reliable energy. By prioritizing a strong cybersecurity alliance, the United States and India aim to foster a more secure and resilient digital ecosystem that benefits millions of people around the world.
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Advances in cybersecurity research
The foundations of joint cybersecurity initiatives laid in 2023 have since evolved into substantial collaborations, particularly in advanced areas such as quantum cryptography and AI-driven defense systems. Although complex, these emerging technologies are critical to public safety and data privacy. For example, quantum encryption provides a strong barrier to cyber intrusion, protecting sensitive information such as financial records, health data, and personal communications from advanced cyber threats.
Similarly, AI-powered cybersecurity systems enable faster threat detection and ensure the safety and operability of critical infrastructure such as power grids and emergency services. These advances are essential to maintaining society’s trust in the digital services that people rely on every day.
Securing communication infrastructure
Communications security has become a top priority in the U.S. and India’s cybersecurity discussions, as secure and resilient networks form the backbone of a digitally connected society. In 2023, the two countries launched a 5G Open RAN project to enhance the flexibility and security of mobile network infrastructure. This initiative means that as 5G technology becomes more widespread, users will have greater confidence in their privacy and security across applications such as banking, telemedicine, and communications.
In addition, a “rip and replace” program, scheduled to be rolled out after the 2024 conference, aims to remove vulnerable equipment from communications networks and reduce the risk of data breaches and disruptions. These developments will have a tangible impact on our citizens by ensuring safer and more secure internet and mobile access.
Protect space systems from cyber threats
The partnership’s focus on cybersecurity also extends to space systems, an emerging area of concern for both countries. As space technology advances, it has become important to protect satellites and communication networks from cyber threats. With India’s growing role in space exploration, the United States and India are now collaborating on satellite communications security measures to ensure the safety of data transmission from space to Earth.
This cooperation includes protecting planetary defense systems that are critical to both government missions and everyday applications such as global navigation and weather forecasting that millions of people rely on. By investing in space security, the United States and India are protecting critical technologies that impact areas from climate research to global positioning.
Strengthening the resilience of defense technologies
In defense technology, this partnership has far-reaching implications for national security and public safety. Military assets such as communications networks and unmanned systems are becoming increasingly vulnerable to cyber threats. U.S.-India cooperation is focused on strengthening these defense systems and making them more resilient and responsive to cyberattacks.
Joint efforts include the development of cyber-resilient unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and secure communication channels to strengthen national security. These advances provide peace of mind for citizens, as robust defenses can thwart potential threats and protect national interests.
global cybersecurity cooperation
Ultimately, these collaborations will bring the United States and India closer together on cybersecurity and set a global example of cooperation in combating digital threats. As the world becomes more interconnected, secure digital infrastructure becomes increasingly important. By working together, the United States and India not only protect our countries, but also contribute to a safer and more reliable global digital environment.
This partnership gives people peace of mind that the technologies they rely on to make secure financial transactions, make phone calls, access accurate weather forecasts, and more are better protected in an evolving digital environment. These strategic moves lay the foundation for a secure future where digital innovation can thrive without compromising security or privacy.
(Rajesh Nair is a researcher at Colorado Technological University.)
Dr. Badri Narayanan Gopalakrishnan is a Fellow of NITI Aayog. The views expressed are personal.
