India Concludes 'Cyber Suraksha 2025' Exercise to Enhance National Cybersecurity Preparedness
India recently concluded its prominent cybersecurity exercise, Exercise Cyber Suraksha 2025, on June 27, marking a significant advancement in the nation's digital defense strategy. Spanning 12 days, the exercise engaged over 100 participants from the military, intelligence agencies, and essential national bodies.
The Defence Cyber Agency, operating under the Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff, oversaw the drill conducted from June 16 to 27. Key participants included the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In), National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre (NCIIPC), Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Intelligence Bureau, CDAC, and the Department of Telecommunications.
The primary goal of the event was to enhance inter-agency coordination and conduct simulations of real-time cyberattack scenarios to evaluate India's defensive measures. This exercise is part of India’s strategic efforts to tackle emerging threats in the cyber realm, especially as global incidents of hybrid warfare increase.
General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff, who took office in 2022 after policy reforms, addressed the participants. He underscored the necessity of integrating cyber capabilities with traditional and informational warfare, describing the exercise as a “launchpad for refining operational doctrines and enhancing joint response mechanisms.”
Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, Chief of Integrated Defence Staff and an influential figure in the event, emphasized the significance of cyber resilience within India’s broader “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” initiative. With nearly 40 years of experience, including leadership in indigenous aircraft development and commanding frontline squadrons, Air Marshal Dixit praised the technical skill and preparedness exhibited during the exercise.
The importance of robust cyber capabilities is highlighted by the World Economic Forum’s 2025 Global Risks Outlook, which ranks cyber incidents among the top five global risks. A 2023 study in the Journal of Cybersecurity revealed that unmitigated hybrid threats could increase a nation’s vulnerability by up to 40%.
India’s emphasis on developing homegrown cybersecurity infrastructure aligns with a global trend. IBM’s 2024 Cost of a Data Breach Report indicates that countries investing in local cybersecurity solutions saw a 15% decrease in data breach costs.
During the closing ceremony, top-performing teams were recognized for their exceptional problem-solving and coordination in complex simulations. Both General Chauhan and Air Marshal Dixit lauded their efforts, highlighting the importance of continued collaborative initiatives.
Exercise Cyber Suraksha 2025 is a critical step in fortifying India’s digital borders, complementing its traditional defense strategies. It lays the groundwork for future integrated cyber exercises and underscores India’s commitment to being vigilant and prepared against modern threats.
