Indian Navy hosts a seminar on cybersecurity in the maritime sector

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The Indian Navy successfully conducted a seminar on "Impact of Cyber Attacks on Maritime Sector and Its Effects on National Security and International Relations" at the Sushma Swaraj Bhawan, New Delhi, on Thursday. As per the information received by the concerned department, the event aimed to deepen understanding of cyber threats in the maritime domain and promote collaboration among stakeholders to strengthen India's cybersecurity posture.

Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), welcomed the Chief Guest, Jitin Prasada, Hon'ble Minister of State for the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and Commerce & Industry.

While delivering the address, Prasada underscored the growing importance of cybersecurity in safeguarding the maritime sector and called for a robust, resilient, and responsive maritime cyber defence architecture.

Admiral Tripathi emphasised that the government's focus on the maritime sector is a vital component of India's economic and national security goals. He said, "Samudra se Samriddhi", and he highlighted initiatives such as Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, Sagarmala, and PM Gati Shakti as drivers of India's maritime growth."

Admiral Tripathi also stressed the need to integrate cybersecurity into all maritime systems from the design stage and to enhance coordination among stakeholders for rapid information sharing.

The seminar also featured three panel discussions led by experts from key ministries and organisations, including the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG), the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS), GAIL, the Directorate General of Hydrocarbons (DGH), CERT-In, NCIIPC, and the National Maritime Foundation (NMF), along with leaders from private organisations.

The panels focused on global cyber threats to maritime infrastructure, civil and military partnerships, and the maritime sector as critical information infrastructure.

As per the release, the discussions during the summit underscored the urgent need to designate the maritime sector as a standalone Critical Information Infrastructure (CII) and to develop stronger defences against evolving cyber threats.

On the sidelines, a tech exhibition was also organised in partnership with the Data Security Council of India (DSCI), showcasing indigenous cybersecurity and defence technology innovations by start-ups from across the country, promoting Aatmanirbharta and supporting the vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047.