External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar signed the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Friday.

The signing marks India’s formal support for a multilateral framework designed to strengthen international cooperation in preventing, investigating and prosecuting cybercrime.

Jaishankar said the convention would contribute to a safer digital future by improving cooperation between countries in tackling crimes committed through information and communications technology systems.

In a post on X, Jaishankar wrote, ‘Signed the UN Convention against Cybercrime today on the sidelines of #UNGA81. This Convention strengthens international cooperation for a safer digital future.’

The UN General Assembly adopted the convention in December 2024 after several years of negotiations. The agreement establishes a framework for cooperation in cybercrime investigations, the exchange of electronic evidence and action against serious crimes involving digital systems.

India played an active role in the negotiations that preceded the adoption of the convention. The treaty is also intended to support international coordination against offences such as cyber-enabled financial fraud, online exploitation, ransomware attacks, data theft and other technology-facilitated crimes.

India’s signature represents its intention to support the convention, but signing is separate from ratification. Ratification would require the completion of India’s domestic legal and procedural processes before the country becomes fully bound by the treaty’s provisions.

The convention is expected to become operational after the required number of countries complete the ratification, acceptance, approval or accession process. Its implementation will depend on cooperation among national authorities, law-enforcement agencies, prosecutors and judicial institutions.

The agreement’s emphasis on electronic evidence is particularly significant because cybercrime investigations frequently involve data stored across several jurisdictions. Faster and more structured cooperation could help countries respond more effectively to cross-border attacks and digital criminal networks.

Jaishankar’s signing of the convention came as India continued an intensive programme of diplomatic engagements during the high-level week of UNGA 81.

On the sidelines of the UN gathering, he held a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. The two ministers exchanged views on several ongoing international and regional issues.

They also reviewed the state of India-Russia bilateral relations and cooperation within the BRICS grouping.

Jaishankar described the meeting as productive. In a post on X, he wrote, ‘A good meeting with FM Sergey Lavrov of Russia today #UNGA81. Exchanged views on a number of ongoing issues. Also took stock of our bilateral and BRICS cooperation.’

The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs also confirmed the meeting, stating that Lavrov and Jaishankar held discussions on the margins of the high-level week of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly.

The India-Russia engagement took place against the backdrop of continuing cooperation between the two countries in diplomacy, energy, defence, trade, technology and multilateral forums.

EAM Jaishankar also co-chaired the India-Gulf Cooperation Council Troika Ministerial Meeting in New York on the margins of UNGA 81.

The meeting reviewed progress under the India-GCC Joint Action Plan for 2024–28. The ministers discussed ways to further deepen cooperation and strengthen the institutional partnership between India and the Gulf Cooperation Council.

Jaishankar said the talks examined the progress already made under the joint action plan and considered additional areas in which India-GCC cooperation could be expanded.

In a post on X, he wrote, ‘Glad to co-chair the India-Gulf Cooperation Council Troika Ministerial Meeting in New York on the margins of #UNGA81. Reviewed the progress of the India-GCC Joint Action Plan 2024–28 and discussed ways to further advance our partnership.’

The minister welcomed the launch of negotiations for an India-GCC Free Trade Agreement. The proposed agreement is expected to provide a framework for expanding commerce and investment between India and the Gulf region.

The discussions covered trade, investment, energy, food security, healthcare, new technologies, culture and people-to-people exchanges.

India and the GCC countries have extensive economic and social ties. The Gulf region is an important destination for Indian workers and a major source of energy, investment and remittances.

Jaishankar also acknowledged GCC countries for their support to the Indian community. He reiterated India’s commitment to freedom of navigation and the safety of seafarers and commercial shipping.

The maritime emphasis is significant for India and the Gulf countries because their economies depend heavily on secure sea routes, uninterrupted energy supplies and stable commercial shipping networks. The series of engagements placed cyber security, India-Russia relations and India-GCC economic cooperation among the key themes of Jaishankar’s diplomatic activity at UNGA 81.

The signing of the cybercrime convention also reflects the growing importance of international cooperation in responding to threats that transcend national borders. As digital infrastructure expands, countries increasingly require common procedures for information-sharing, evidence collection and law-enforcement coordination.

For India, the convention complements its broader efforts to strengthen cybercrime investigation, digital governance and cooperation with international partners.

Together, the treaty signing and the minister’s meetings with Russia and the GCC demonstrate India’s simultaneous focus on digital security, strategic partnerships, economic diplomacy and the interests of its citizens and commercial networks abroad.

ANI