Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visits to the United States in 2023 and 2024 have deepened the US-India partnership, with cybersecurity emerging as a central focus, as highlighted in The White House Briefings from both years. This collaboration reflects a unified commitment to tackling cyber threats, safeguarding critical digital infrastructures, and promoting global stability in an increasingly interconnected world.
The agreements extend beyond government-level strategies, addressing crucial areas of daily life, including secure telecommunications, defence, and reliable energy. By prioritising a robust cybersecurity alliance, the US and India aim to foster safer, more resilient digital ecosystems, benefiting millions worldwide.
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Advancing cybersecurity research
The foundation for joint cybersecurity initiatives laid in 2023 has since evolved into substantial collaborations, particularly in advanced areas such as quantum encryption and AI-driven defence systems. These emerging technologies, while complex, are pivotal to public safety and data privacy. For instance, quantum encryption provides a formidable barrier against cyber intrusions, protecting sensitive information like financial records, health data, and personal communications from sophisticated cyber threats.
Similarly, AI-powered cybersecurity systems enable faster threat detection, ensuring that critical infrastructure—such as the power grid and emergency services—remains secure and operational. These advancements are essential to maintaining public trust in digital services on which people rely daily.
Securing telecommunications infrastructure
Telecommunications security has been a top priority in US-India cybersecurity discussions, as secure, resilient networks form the backbone of a digitally connected society. In 2023, the two nations launched a 5G Open RAN project, which offers enhanced flexibility and security in mobile network infrastructure. This initiative means that as 5G technology becomes widespread, users can have increased confidence in their privacy and security across applications such as banking, telemedicine, and communication.
Additionally, the “Rip and Replace” programme, expected to roll out after the 2024 meetings, seeks to remove vulnerable equipment from telecom networks, reducing risks of data breaches and disruptions. These developments have tangible implications for citizens, ensuring safer, more secure internet and mobile access.
Protecting space systems from cyber threats
The partnership’s focus on cybersecurity extends to space systems, an emerging area of concern for both countries. As space technology advances, protecting satellites and communication networks from cyber threats has become crucial. With India’s expanding role in space exploration, the US and India are now collaborating on security measures for satellite communications, helping secure data transmission from space to Earth.
This cooperation includes safeguarding planetary defence systems, critical for both government missions and everyday applications like global navigation and weather forecasting that millions rely on. By investing in space security, the US and India are protecting essential technologies that impact fields ranging from climate research to global positioning.
Enhancing defence technology resilience
In defence technology, this partnership has far-reaching implications for national security and public safety. Military assets, including communication networks and unmanned systems, are increasingly vulnerable to cyber threats. The US-India collaboration focuses on fortifying these defence systems against cyberattacks, enhancing their resilience and responsiveness.
The joint effort includes developing cyber-resilient unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and secure communication channels, reinforcing national security. For citizens, these advancements offer peace of mind, as robust defences can deter potential threats and protect national interests.
Global cybersecurity collaboration
Ultimately, these collaborations bring the US and India into closer alignment on cybersecurity, setting a global example of cooperation in addressing digital threats. As the world becomes more interconnected, the importance of secure digital infrastructure grows. By working together, the US and India are not only safeguarding their own nations but also contributing to a safer, more reliable global digital environment.
This partnership provides reassurance that the technologies people depend on—whether for secure financial transactions, making phone calls, or accessing accurate weather forecasts—are better protected in an evolving digital landscape. These strategic moves lay the foundation for a secure future where digital innovation can flourish without compromising security or privacy.
(Rajesh Nair is a Research Scholar, Colorado Technological University.)
Dr Badri Narayanan Gopalakrishnan is Fellow, NITI Aayog. Views expressed are personal.