The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National e-Governance Division (NeGD), operating under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), to provide structured training for its personnel in a range of emerging technologies.

The collaboration reflects the growing importance of technological preparedness as drones, artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced cyber tools increasingly reshape the threat landscape facing India's critical infrastructure and strategic assets.

CISF, which is responsible for safeguarding airports, nuclear power plants, metro networks, ports and several other vital installations across the country, is facing an operational environment in which threats can emerge not only from the physical domain but also from the aerial, cyber and information spheres.

Under the agreement, NeGD will serve as the Knowledge Partner for CISF and will support the Force in building specialised technological expertise tailored to evolving security requirements.

As part of this role, NeGD will identify leading academic institutions, technical organisations, Centres of Excellence and subject-matter experts to develop and deliver training modules aligned with CISF's operational needs.

The initiative builds on NeGD's experience in conducting technology-focused training with premier institutions, including the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), and aims to equip CISF personnel with practical skills in rapidly advancing fields.

Speaking on the significance of the partnership, CISF Director General Praveer Ranjan said, "Threats to critical infrastructure today come as much from the sky and from cyberspace as from the ground. Rogue drones, AI-enabled attacks and cyber intrusions into control systems are real concerns for the installations we protect. Through this partnership with NeGD, our personnel will train at the country's leading technical institutions and gain the hands-on skills needed to detect, counter and stay ahead of these threats."

The training framework will focus on five key technology domains, namely drone operations, anti-drone and counter-unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS) for detecting, tracking and neutralising hostile drones, artificial intelligence and autonomous systems, cyber security for critical infrastructure, and other emerging technologies relevant to modern security operations.

Training programs will be delivered in collaboration with premier institutions, including the IITs, the Defence Institute of Advanced Technology (DIAT), Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) laboratories, Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and other recognised Centres of Excellence.

The courses will be conducted at institutional campuses, CISF training establishments, or through a blended learning model combining in-person and digital instruction.

The learning opportunities will range from short-duration certificate courses and workshops to more extensive certificate-based programs. Where approved, personnel will also have access to postgraduate diploma and M.Tech pathways, creating avenues for advanced technical specialisation.

Under the financial arrangement outlined in the MoU, NeGD will bear the approved tuition and course fees, while CISF will be responsible for the travel, boarding and lodging expenses of participating personnel.

A significant aspect of the initiative is the incorporation of CISF-specific operational content. Trainees will engage with case studies, standard operating procedures, tabletop exercises and field simulations focused on protecting hydro-power plants, strategic installations, border areas and other high-value assets.

The objective is not only to enhance individual technical proficiency but also to ensure that newly acquired knowledge can be translated into operational readiness across the Force.

To support wider institutional capacity-building, personnel who complete specialised training will serve as master trainers, helping disseminate expertise throughout CISF formations and training establishments.

Implementation and oversight of the initiative will be managed through a Joint Steering Committee, which will be constituted within 30 days of the agreement. The committee will meet at least twice annually to review progress, assess outcomes and finalise future training plans.

Highlighting the broader significance of the partnership, Nand Kumarum, President and CEO of NeGD, stated, "Technology is reshaping both governance and security. As Knowledge Partner to CISF, NeGD will bring together institutions such as the IITs, DIAT and DRDO laboratories to build practical, mission-focused skills in drones, counter-drone systems, artificial intelligence and cyber security. A technically skilled security force is central to a safe and self-reliant Digital India."

The agreement also reflects a wider trend within India's security architecture towards integrating advanced technologies into operational planning, surveillance, threat detection and infrastructure protection.

By leveraging expertise from leading technical institutions and defence research organisations, CISF aims to strengthen its preparedness against increasingly sophisticated technology-driven threats while enhancing the protection of some of the nation's most critical assets.

Agencies