New Delhi | India is rapidly positioning itself as a global cybersecurity leader, driven by over 400 startups and a skilled workforce of more than 6.5 lakh professionals, according to Dr. Sanjay Bahl, Director General of the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) and Controller of Certifying Authorities (CCA) at the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).
Speaking during a familiarisation visit and interactive session for journalists from European Union (EU) countries, Dr. Bahl highlighted how Indian innovators are creating cutting-edge solutions in threat detection, cyber forensics, and AI-based monitoring, contributing to a $20 billion cybersecurity market and reinforcing India’s digital resilience.
Dr. Bahl described artificial intelligence (AI) as a “double-edged sword,” noting that while AI enhances cyber defence, it also empowers cybercriminals with more advanced tools. He said CERT-In uses AI-driven analytics and automation to detect, prevent, and respond to cyber incidents in real time, while simultaneously developing countermeasures against AI-enabled threats.
The session outlined CERT-In’s mandate in managing cyber crises, assessing vulnerabilities, and facilitating information sharing across government and private sectors. Dr. Bahl explained that the agency issues timely alerts and advisories to both organisations and citizens — maintaining a balance between preparedness and public reassurance.
According to MeitY, EU journalists were also briefed on CERT-In’s capacity-building initiatives, international collaborations — including its partnership with France’s National Cybersecurity Agency (ANSSI) — and regular cybersecurity drills designed to enhance national readiness.
Dr. Bahl shared that India recorded 147 ransomware incidents in 2024, but swift and coordinated intervention by CERT-In minimized their impact through real-time intelligence sharing and forensic analysis.
The discussion further covered auditor empanelment, specialised training programmes, and policy incentives that encourage Indian startups to develop indigenous cybersecurity technologies.
By fostering research collaborations, public–private partnerships, and active participation in global cybersecurity forums, CERT-In is steadily building a trusted and resilient cyber defence ecosystem, aligned with the vision of Digital India and the country’s growing stature in the global digital landscape.
