Indian Army Launches AASHVAST Labs To Detect Hidden Risks In Defence Electronics

The Indian Army has unveiled AASHVAST Labs in Delhi to strengthen the security of military drones and electronic defence equipment. The initiative is designed to detect hidden vulnerabilities in hardware, software and firmware, particularly those linked to foreign components or unauthorised technology.

AASHVAST, which stands for Assessment and Analysis of Electronic Systems Hardware for Vulnerabilities and Security Threats, is a specialised system created to validate critical military electronics. It examines both hardware and software layers to uncover concealed risks that may compromise the safety or functioning of defence platforms.

The labs are capable of scanning systems for hidden passwords, embedded keys and remote-access tools. They also verify whether devices are receiving software updates approved by the original manufacturer. These checks are intended to identify unauthorised modifications or features that could create security threats.

Military drones are a key focus of the program. While a drone may appear genuine during a physical inspection, its software and firmware can determine how it flies, responds to commands and performs under different conditions. These hidden elements are difficult to assess through conventional checks, making AASHVAST vital for detecting vulnerabilities that lie beneath the surface.

The Army is paying particular attention to the possible presence of Chinese components and software in sensitive defence equipment. AASHVAST Labs can determine whether drones or other platforms contain unapproved elements or have been modified after production or deployment.

Even a small hidden component or software flaw can pose a serious risk, underscoring the importance of detailed inspections.

The labs will also assess security controls related to navigation and location. Military drones are vulnerable to GPS spoofing and jamming, where attackers feed false location data or disrupt signals. AASHVAST is designed to evaluate whether a drone’s location-security measures are strong enough to withstand such threats.

Army Chief General Dhiraj Seth inaugurated the facility in Delhi on 14 August. The Army stated that the initiative will enhance the evaluation of critical defence platforms, strengthen cybersecurity, improve operational preparedness and support the growth of India’s domestic defence ecosystem.

Modern defence equipment relies heavily on electronics, software and communication systems, which means threats can exist beyond visible physical components. A platform may pass a basic inspection yet still contain hidden weaknesses that affect its performance, control or security.

AASHVAST Labs aim to close this gap by conducting detailed examinations of both hardware and software. The initiative is part of the Army’s broader effort to make defence systems more secure and reliable, while reducing risks linked to foreign technology and unauthorised modifications.

This development reflects India’s growing emphasis on indigenous defence technology and cyber resilience. It complements ongoing efforts in electronic warfare, secure communications and self-reliant defence programs, ensuring that critical military platforms remain protected against evolving threats.

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The UK Power-Grid Cyberattack Sends A Stark Warning To India

Iran-linked hackers reportedly shut down a small British power plant for four days, marking what UK officials described as the most successful cyberattack of its kind on a UK power facility.

CBSNEWS reported the incident but withheld the name of the plant, citing security concerns to prevent further leaks or attacks.

The UK government clarified that the plant was small enough that the shutdown posed no risk to the wider power grid. Following the incident, energy company leaders were briefed and businesses were issued guidance on responding to cyberattacks.

The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), part of GCHQ, was notified of the attack. The NCSC performs functions comparable to India’s Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In), though their institutional mandates differ. The incident underscores the vulnerability of critical infrastructure to cyber intrusions and highlights the importance of sector-specific response mechanisms.

India has recently taken steps in this direction. On 31 July 2026, the Central Electricity Authority notified the Central Electricity Authority (Cyber Security in Power Sector) Regulations, 2026.

These regulations propose the creation of a new CERT-In-like cybersecurity body called the Computer Security Incident Response Team for the Power Sector (CSIRT-Power). This initiative aims to strengthen India’s resilience against cyber threats targeting its energy infrastructure.

Attributing cyberattacks remains a complex challenge. As Nikhil Pahwa noted in 2019, cyberattacks can be launched from compromised devices across multiple countries or via proxies, making attribution to specific entities or nation states extremely difficult.

Unlike conventional military strikes, cyberattacks rarely involve claims of responsibility. An attack on a nuclear installation would normally be considered an act of war, but the ambiguity of cyber attribution complicates responses.

India has already faced several instances of cyberattacks targeting its critical infrastructure. In 2020, a China-linked group known as RedEcho reportedly targeted India’s power and maritime infrastructure during the border standoff. While some reports suggested a link to the October 2020 Mumbai blackout, this has not been officially confirmed.

In October 2019, malware infiltrated the internet-connected network of the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant, exposing severe vulnerabilities. Officials initially denied the reports before later acknowledging the infection.

More recently, in July 2026, data belonging to a Reliance Group company involved in contract work at Kudankulam was leaked on the dark web. Reliance confirmed a partial breach involving data stored on a server hosted by third-party provider Yotta.

The private sector is particularly vulnerable compared to government-controlled infrastructure. As Nandkumar Saravade, Saikat Datta and Anand Venkatanarayanan observed in 2023, many critical sectors such as transport, banking, and power are increasingly privatised, expanding the threat landscape beyond government entities.

Anand V has argued that India’s state cybersecurity capabilities are “non-existent at best.” He emphasised that sovereignty should be understood as capabilities, particularly supply chain control, rather than abstract notions of digital or AI sovereignty. Without ownership of the supply chain, sovereignty remains a mirage.

Public-private partnerships could provide a way forward. Sameer Patil of the Observer Research Foundation has argued that shared responsibility between public and private sectors is essential for protecting critical infrastructure.

Such partnerships should focus on building institutional frameworks, expanding capacity, creating security standards, enforcing strict audits, and evolving incident reporting mechanisms.

This collaborative approach could help India strengthen its defences against increasingly sophisticated cyber threats.

The Iranian-linked cyberattack on the UK’s power plant serves as a stark warning for India. With its growing reliance on digital systems and increasing privatisation of critical infrastructure, India must accelerate efforts to build robust cybersecurity capabilities.

The establishment of CSIRT-Power is a step in the right direction, but effective implementation, supply chain control, and public-private collaboration will be crucial to safeguarding strategic and critical assets.

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NIA Raids Five States In Cyber Terror Case Targeting 54 Government Websites

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has conducted coordinated raids across five states in India after uncovering a major cyberterrorism conspiracy involving Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attacks on 54 Government websites. The operation, linked to “Operation Sindoor,” highlights the growing threat to India’s Critical Information Infrastructure (CII) and digital sovereignty.

The NIA carried out searches in Junnar in Pune district of Maharashtra, Nadiad in Kheda district of Gujarat, Ramagundam in Karimnagar district of Telangana, Gopalganj in Bihar, and Delhi. These raids were part of case RC-01/2025/NIA/AMD, known as the Cyber Terrorism Gujarat Case, which was registered on 25 June 2025. The case originated with the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) before being handed over to the NIA.

Investigators revealed that the accused attempted sophisticated DDoS attacks against 54 websites belonging to various Government of India entities. These attacks were designed to overwhelm servers with illegitimate traffic, disrupt essential services, and undermine public confidence. The targeted systems included critical computer resources and CII, making the conspiracy a direct threat to national security and unity.

The cyberattacks were allegedly part of Operation Sindoor, which followed precision strikes by Indian armed forces against terrorist hideouts in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in May 2025. The strikes were a response to the brutal Pahalgam terror attack in April 2025, where 25 tourists and a local Ponywallah were killed by Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists. The cyber component of Operation Sindoor was intended to destabilise India digitally while physical attacks were carried out across the border.

Two suspects have already been arrested in connection with the case. Technical analysis by the NIA identified additional individuals believed to have supported the main accused by helping plan the attacks and enhancing their hacking skills. Search warrants were obtained from a competent court, and raids were conducted early Monday morning.

During the searches, investigators seized three laptops, five mobile phones, pen drives, and other digital storage devices. These items contained incriminating material related to hacking activities. The suspects present at the sites were questioned about their links to the arrested individuals and their role in the conspiracy. Authorities emphasised that all operations were conducted in accordance with legal procedures.

The seized devices will undergo forensic examination to uncover further evidence and identify additional conspirators.

The NIA is expected to trace the technical methods used in the DDoS attacks, including whether the accused received support from external actors. The investigation aims to establish the full extent of the network and bring those responsible to justice under provisions related to cyberterrorism and threats to CII.

This case underscores the increasing vulnerability of digital assets to cyberterrorism. DDoS attacks are not only disruptive but can cripple essential public services, erode trust in government systems, and compromise sovereignty.

The nationwide scope of the raids demonstrates that the alleged network had a wide presence across India, requiring coordinated action to dismantle.

The NIA’s actions form part of a broader effort to strengthen India’s cyber defence posture. By combining traditional investigative methods with advanced digital forensics, authorities aim to prevent future attempts to exploit India’s digital infrastructure. The investigation continues, and more arrests or legal action may follow depending on the forensic findings.

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Army Chief Gen. Dhiraj Seth Inaugurates AASHVAST Facility To Strengthen Security of Mission-Critical Military Electronics

Army Chief General Dhiraj Seth during his inspection of the facility

The Indian Army has inaugurated AASHVAST, which stands for Assessment and Analysis of Electronic Systems Hardware for Vulnerabilities and Security Threats. This specialised facility is focused on strengthening the integrity, reliability, and security of mission-critical military electronics.

The inauguration was carried out by General Dhiraj Seth, Chief of the Army Staff. His presence underlined the importance of this initiative in enhancing India’s defence preparedness. The facility is equipped with advanced capabilities to evaluate critical defence platforms and identify vulnerabilities.

By detecting weaknesses in electronic systems, AASHVAST will help improve India’s cyber resilience and operational readiness. This is particularly vital as modern warfare increasingly relies on electronic and digital systems, making them prime targets for cyber and electronic attacks.

The initiative also supports the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat. It strengthens India’s domestic defence ecosystem by encouraging greater capability in secure military electronics. This aligns with the broader national strategy of reducing dependence on foreign technology and building indigenous solutions.

The facility will play a key role in ensuring that mission-critical systems remain reliable under contested conditions. It will enhance the security of platforms ranging from communication networks to advanced weapon systems, thereby safeguarding operational effectiveness.

AASHVAST represents a significant step in India’s defence modernisation program. It complements ongoing efforts in electronic warfare, cyber defence, and secure communications, ensuring that the Army remains prepared for emerging threats in the digital domain.

The inauguration of this facility highlights India’s growing emphasis on indigenous defence technologies. It reflects a strategic shift towards building resilience against vulnerabilities that adversaries may exploit in future conflicts.

Key highlights include the inauguration by General Dhiraj Seth, the focus on assessing vulnerabilities in mission-critical systems, enhanced cyber resilience for defence platforms, improved reliability and security of military electronics, strengthening of India’s domestic defence technology ecosystem, and support for the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision.

This development marks a milestone in India’s journey towards self-reliance in defence technology, ensuring that its armed forces are equipped with secure, reliable, and resilient electronic systems for the challenges ahead.

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IISc And DRDO Launch HybridNet To Detect Fake News Using Multimodal AI

Researchers from the Indian Institute of Science and the Defence Research and Development Organisation have unveiled HybridNet, a multimodal framework designed to detect fake news by identifying mismatches between text and images.

The system represents a significant step in the fight against misinformation, particularly in an era where manipulated content spreads rapidly across digital platforms.

HybridNet’s core approach is to treat open-source Vision Language Models as reasoning tools rather than conventional classifiers.

This allows the framework to move beyond simple labelling and instead perform deeper logical checks on the consistency of multimodal content. By leveraging reasoning capabilities, the system can provide more reliable authenticity assessments.

The framework runs a three-stage consistency check. First, it examines image-text alignment to determine whether the visual content matches the accompanying narrative.

Second, it performs image-image comparisons to detect duplication, manipulation, or inconsistencies across visual datasets.

Third, it conducts text-text checks to identify contradictions or semantic mismatches within the written content itself. This layered approach ensures that HybridNet can capture subtle discrepancies that single-modality systems often miss.

HybridNet is designed to be lightweight. It distils observations into a compact classifier that generates clear, human-readable explanations alongside authenticity scores. This transparency is critical, as it allows analysts and end-users to understand why a particular piece of content has been flagged as suspicious, rather than relying on opaque machine outputs.

The system also incorporates active learning to reduce the burden of data annotation. By intelligently selecting which samples require labelling, HybridNet maintains high accuracy while using labels for less than half of the training data. This efficiency makes the framework more practical for large-scale deployment, where manual annotation is often a bottleneck.

Beyond its technical design, HybridNet reflects a broader push by IISc and DRDO to develop indigenous AI solutions for national security and information integrity. The framework is particularly relevant in the context of defence and strategic communication, where misinformation campaigns can have serious consequences.

By combining multimodal reasoning with efficient learning strategies, HybridNet positions itself as a robust tool against adversarial information operations.

This initiative also aligns with India’s wider focus on artificial intelligence for defence applications. DRDO has previously emphasised the importance of trusted indigenous AI systems, particularly in areas such as cyber defence and threat intelligence.

HybridNet complements these efforts by addressing the information warfare dimension, ensuring that fake news detection is not only accurate but also explainable and resource-efficient.

The project demonstrates how academic institutions and defence organisations can collaborate to tackle pressing technological challenges. IISc’s expertise in advanced AI research and DRDO’s focus on national security applications create a synergy that strengthens India’s capability to counter misinformation.

HybridNet is therefore not just a technical achievement but also a strategic milestone in safeguarding information ecosystems.

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Cyberattacks On US Water Systems Expand To Seven States Amid Suspicions of Iranian Involvement

Cyberattacks targeting water supply systems across the United States have widened to affect at least seven states, according to a report by The New York Times. Federal officials and cybersecurity experts confirmed that multiple incidents caused operational disruptions at affected facilities.

Authorities reassured the public that there is no evidence drinking water has been contaminated or rendered unsafe.

Several water facilities were compelled to issue boil-water notices or switch to manual operations following the intrusions. In Michigan, state officials acknowledged suspicious activity in a small number of communities, consistent with federal warnings. Despite this, they emphasised that the water systems continued to operate safely.

Federal officials told The New York Times that breaches have impacted infrastructure in at least seven states.

They reiterated that there are no indications any water supply has been altered or made unsafe for consumption. The incidents have raised concerns about vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure.

Investigators are examining whether Iranian state-backed hackers were responsible for the attacks. CBS News reported that federal officials consider Iran the leading suspect, though they stressed the inquiry remains preliminary. No definitive forensic evidence has yet been established linking Iran to the intrusions.

The investigation comes amid a broader Middle East security crisis now entering its sixth month. Cyber operations targeting infrastructure have increasingly been viewed as extensions of geopolitical conflict. Analysts note that water systems, often reliant on outdated digital controls, present attractive targets for hostile actors.

US President Donald Trump dismissed suggestions that Iran was behind the disruptions. Speaking on Friday, he said, “I don’t think there was an Iranian cyberattack.” His remarks contrasted with ongoing federal inquiries into possible Iranian involvement. Trump’s statement also reflected his administration’s cautious approach to attributing cyber incidents without conclusive evidence.

Authorities reassured utility consumers that, despite operational disruptions, there is no evidence drinking water has been contaminated. Officials emphasised that public water supplies remain safe. The reassurance was intended to prevent panic and maintain confidence in essential services.

The widening scope of the attacks underscores the vulnerability of US critical infrastructure. Cybersecurity experts have long warned that water systems, power grids, and transportation networks are susceptible to foreign intrusion. The suspected involvement of Iranian-backed hackers highlights the intersection of cyber warfare and traditional geopolitical tensions.

ANI

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Official Sources Deny Reports of DRDO Cybersecurity Incident

Reports of an alleged cybersecurity incident involving the Defence Research & Development Organisation have been firmly rejected by official sources, who described the claims as incorrect and unverified.

The clarification came days after Kerala-based Alibi Global Threat Intelligence Group alleged that data linked to the DRDO had been advertised for sale on the dark web. The group claimed that the data amounted to 31 gigabytes and had been offered for US $8000 over the past two weeks.

According to official sources, a thorough investigation was conducted by relevant agencies under the defence ministry. They stated that there is no evidence of any active cyber attack, unauthorised network intrusion, or ongoing data exfiltration.

The sources emphasised that most of the data alleged to be leaked is unclassified and bears no confidentiality. They explained that certain unclassified data being portrayed as critical actually stems from an old breach dating back to 2020–2022.

Threat actors, they said, have deliberately fabricated and manipulated the documents to make them appear recent and confidential. The documents referred to in the alleged leak are outdated, having undergone multiple revisions, and no longer represent current configurations.

The relevance of this outdated documentation has been evaluated and found to be no longer applicable. As a result, the claims being made are unverifiable.

Investigators also revealed that the data is being advertised for sale by several threat actors, but the content remains the same across these actors and holds no current relevance to the DRDO or the defence ministry.

Officials further added that the allegedly leaked data has been deliberately fabricated by cybercriminals motivated by financial gain. Their intention is to cause panic, collect larger sums of money, and make the data appear authentic.

The clarification underscores the importance of distinguishing between outdated, unclassified information and genuine breaches of sensitive defence data. It also highlights the growing trend of cybercriminals exploiting fabricated or obsolete material to generate fear and profit.

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India’s Cyber Governance Under Scrutiny Amid DRDO Leak Claims

According to a disturbing report by UNI, sensitive DRDO design leak claims have reignited debate over India’s cyber governance maturity, with experts warning that protecting strategic information is now inseparable from national security. KS Manoj stresses that classification alone is insufficient without robust technical safeguards and resilient governance mechanisms.

Claims of sensitive Defence Research and Development Organisation design documents being leaked, alongside restricted technical information surfacing on public platforms and dark web marketplaces, have drawn renewed attention to India’s cyber governance.

Engineering Physicist and Industrial Cybersecurity Specialist KS Manoj emphasised that such reports must be treated seriously, though speculation should not replace evidence-based verification.

He noted that the immediate questions are whether the documents are genuine or fabricated, and if genuine, how they escaped controlled environments. Possible routes of exposure include vulnerabilities in contractors and supply chains, insider threats, or shortcomings in institutional information governance. Manoj urged competent authorities to verify authenticity and, where necessary, initiate legal, administrative, and security measures.

He referenced the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant data exposure and the DRDO design leak claims as examples underscoring the importance of protecting sensitive technical information. Authoritative communication from agencies is essential to maintain public confidence, counter misinformation, and prevent unnecessary speculation on matters of national security.

The developments raise a larger question: is India’s cyber governance keeping pace with its rapid technological transformation? India is advancing in artificial intelligence, space exploration, defence technologies, nuclear energy, smart grids, and semiconductor manufacturing. While these represent major progress, Manoj warned that governance systems protecting the information generated must evolve equally.

Cyber governance, he explained, should not be seen narrowly as hacking, ransomware, or data theft. It encompasses policies, processes, and institutional mechanisms governing information throughout its lifecycle—from creation and classification to storage, transmission, protection, sharing, archiving, and secure disposal. In the digital era, information itself has become a strategic national asset.

Engineering drawings, software source code, industrial control system configurations, system architecture diagrams, testing reports, bills of materials, and technical specifications, when analysed collectively, reveal valuable insights into a country’s technological capabilities, industrial processes, supply chains, and critical infrastructure. Protecting such information is therefore an essential element of national security.

Manoj stressed that classification labels such as “Restricted”, “Confidential”, or “Secret” do not guarantee protection. True security requires technical safeguards and institutional controls. These include strong encryption, robust access controls, multi-factor authentication, continuous monitoring, audit trails, Zero Trust architecture, and secure lifecycle management. “Classification is not Protection,” he warned.

India has legal and regulatory frameworks for protecting Critical Information Infrastructure across defence, power, space, nuclear energy, civil aviation, and telecommunications. Yet Manoj argued that the country must continually assess the maturity of cyber governance mechanisms within these institutions.

While detailed operational security cannot be made public, aggregated information on governance maturity, assurance mechanisms, audits, and improvement initiatives could be disclosed to strengthen confidence and accountability.

Globally, cybersecurity practices are shifting from compliance-driven approaches to resilience and comprehensive information governance. Leadership commitment, enterprise risk management, secure supply chains, independent audits, and continuous improvement are now as vital as conventional technical controls.

The objective must extend beyond preventing incidents to anticipating threats, withstanding attacks, recovering from disruptions, and learning continuously.

Manoj warned that India’s rapid technological advances could be undermined if cyber governance fails to keep pace. Strengthening protection across defence, power, nuclear energy, telecommunications, and other critical sectors requires sustained attention, resilient supply chains, independent assurance, and stronger leadership commitment. For a nation aspiring to global technology leadership, protecting strategic information must be treated as integral to both technological progress and national security.

UNI

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Nuclear Body Downplays Kudankulam Data Breach Amid Rising Cybersecurity Concerns

The Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited has sought to downplay concerns over a reported data breach at the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant, India’s largest reactor complex, NDTV reported.

A senior atomic scientist emphasised that the incident has no bearing on nuclear safety or security, stressing that the compromised files relate only to common service balance of plant systems.

NPCIL’s acting Chairman and Managing Director Rajesh V told NDTV that the leaked material has no connection with nuclear safety. He underlined that the government-owned corporation remains the sole authority responsible for constructing and operating commercial nuclear power plants in India, and that reactor operations remain unaffected.

The breach was attributed to World Leaks, a ransomware group notorious for posting stolen corporate data online when ransom demands are not met. Reuters reported that the group had uploaded files linked to Kudankulam on the dark web, including purported blueprints of plant facilities and supplier details. The authenticity of these documents has not been independently verified.

Kudankulam, located in Tamil Nadu, is India’s largest nuclear installation with a designated total capacity of 6,000 MW. The site is a cornerstone of India’s nuclear power program, developed in collaboration with Russia’s ROSATOM, which supplied the reactor core systems. The leaked documents reportedly do not pertain to these critical reactor systems.

One of the plant’s contractors admitted that there had been a partial breach of server data hosted by a third-party data centre in India. However, the contractor did not specify the nature of the compromised data. The leaked files allegedly include blueprints, supplier details, inspection records, and equipment reviews, though none appear to be linked to the reactor’s core safety systems.

Nikolas Roth, a senior director at the Nuclear Threat Initiative, warned that the breach could pose a serious risk to the plant’s safety. His assessment contrasts with NPCIL’s reassurance, highlighting the broader concern that cyber intrusions into nuclear facilities, even if peripheral, can undermine confidence in nuclear security.

World Leaks operates a website accessible only through specialised browsers, where it publishes stolen data from companies that refuse to pay ransom. Its activities have targeted multiple sectors globally, raising alarms about the vulnerability of critical infrastructure to cyberattacks.

This incident marks the second reported cyberattack at Kudankulam. In 2019, NPCIL confirmed that malware had been detected in one of its computers, though it stressed that plant systems were not affected.

The recurrence of cyber incidents underscores the growing challenge of protecting nuclear facilities against digital threats.

The latest breach highlights the importance of strengthening cybersecurity measures across India’s nuclear program. While NPCIL has sought to reassure the public, experts argue that even non-core system breaches can expose sensitive operational details, potentially aiding malicious actors.

The episode reinforces the need for robust cyber defences, transparent communication, and international cooperation to safeguard nuclear infrastructure.

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NPCIL Clarifies KKNPP Leak Involves Only Conventional Balance of Plant (BoP) Facilities, Not Nuclear Safety Systems

The Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited has issued a clarification regarding reports of a data leak linked to the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project Units 3 and 4.

The corporation stated that the drawings reportedly leaked through a breach at Reliance Infrastructure Ltd. pertain only to conventional Balance of Plant facilities and not to any nuclear safety or security systems.

The clarification was made in response to media reports suggesting that sensitive information may have been compromised. NPCIL emphasised that the Engineering, Procurement and Construction contract for the Common Services-Balance of Plant package was awarded to Reliance Infrastructure Ltd. in 2018 through a public tender process.

This contract covered engineering, procurement and supply, construction, and commissioning of common service facilities.

NPCIL explained that the facilities under this contract are conventional in nature, similar to those used in thermal power plants and other process industries. They are not connected to nuclear safety or nuclear security systems. The corporation highlighted that indicative drawings and technical specifications were shared with bidders during the tendering process to facilitate competitive participation.

Based on these inputs and the requirements of the project, Reliance Infrastructure Ltd. prepared detailed engineering drawings in consultation with the respective Original Equipment Manufacturers. These designs were subsequently reviewed and accepted by NPCIL after thorough technical evaluation. The corporation reiterated that the information claimed to be available in the public domain pertains only to conventional Balance of Plant common service facilities.

NPCIL stressed that none of the leaked material relates to nuclear safety or nuclear security systems. This distinction is crucial, as nuclear safety systems include reactor protection mechanisms, containment structures, and emergency core cooling systems, while nuclear security systems involve physical protection, access control, and cyber security measures.

The leaked drawings, by contrast, cover auxiliary facilities such as water treatment plants, cooling towers, and electrical substations, which are standard in large industrial complexes.

The corporation’s statement aims to reassure stakeholders and the public that India’s nuclear program remains secure and uncompromised. It also underscores the importance of differentiating between conventional industrial infrastructure and sensitive nuclear systems when assessing potential breaches. NPCIL’s clarification reflects its commitment to transparency and its responsibility in safeguarding nuclear assets.

ANI

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CISF Expands Mandate To Counter Cyber And Drone Threats As Security Risks Evolve

The Central Industrial Security Force is intensifying its preparedness against modern hybrid threats. Director General Praveer Ranjan underscored the force’s readiness to counter cyber attacks, digital sabotage, and drone incursions, reflecting the evolving nature of national security challenges.

His remarks came during the foundation stone laying ceremony of the new CISF headquarters at the CGO complex on Lodhi Road, officiated by Minister of State Bandi Sanjay Kumar.

Ranjan highlighted that the CISF has been entrusted with new responsibilities by the Ministry of Home Affairs. Among the most significant is its designation as a Recognised Security Organisation under the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code.

This authorisation allows the CISF to conduct security audits and assessments of major ports, thereby strengthening India’s maritime security architecture and contributing to the protection of the Blue Economy.

The DG also noted that the CISF has assumed responsibility for managing high-security correctional facilities in Jammu & Kashmir. This expansion of its mandate underscores the force’s growing role in internal security management, extending beyond its traditional remit of industrial and aviation security.

The CISF’s evolving responsibilities reflect the broader transformation of India’s security landscape. With cyber warfare, drone technology, and digital sabotage emerging as critical threats, the force is adapting its operational doctrine to meet these challenges. The integration of advanced surveillance systems, cyber defence protocols, and counter-drone technologies is becoming central to its strategy.

India’s Blue Economy, which encompasses maritime trade, port infrastructure, and offshore energy, is increasingly vulnerable to cyber and drone-related risks. By taking on the role of a Recognised Security Organisation, the CISF is positioned to safeguard critical maritime assets, ensuring resilience against both conventional and asymmetric threats.

The force’s involvement in correctional facility management in Jammu & Kashmir also signals a strategic shift. These facilities are often targeted by hostile elements, and CISF’s deployment ensures robust security measures, combining physical fortification with advanced monitoring systems.

The laying of the foundation stone for the new CISF headquarters symbolises not only infrastructural expansion but also institutional modernisation. It represents the force’s commitment to evolving in tandem with the complex security environment of the 21st century.

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Wang Yi’s Delhi Visit Signals BRICS Unity And Possible India-China Rapprochement

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will be in New Delhi on 22–23 June to attend the 16th BRICS National Security Advisors meeting at the invitation of NSA Ajit Doval.

His visit comes at a crucial time, with India holding the BRICS chairmanship in 2026 and both countries seeking to stabilise ties amid ongoing border talks.

Wang Yi’s participation in the BRICS Security Dialogue highlights China’s intent to strengthen coordination within the expanded 11-member bloc. The meeting will deliberate on global and regional security challenges, ranging from terrorism and cyber threats to territorial disputes and economic stability. It will also prepare the ground for the BRICS Summit scheduled in India this September.

India, as chair, has set the theme of innovation, collaboration and sustainable development. It is emphasising digital connectivity and renewable energy, aiming to amplify the collective voice of developing nations in global governance.

This aligns with New Delhi’s broader strategy of positioning itself as a leader of the Global South and enhancing the resilience of emerging economies.

The timing of the meeting is significant. A recent agreement between the United States and Iran has reshaped regional dynamics, while conflicts in Europe, West Asia and Africa continue to generate instability. BRICS members are keen to forge a common stance on maintaining peace and stability in this volatile environment.

All eleven BRICS members will be represented: Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Indonesia. Their top security officials and strategic experts will exchange views on both traditional and non-traditional threats. The agenda includes terrorism, cybersecurity, territorial disputes, economic resilience and reforms in global governance structures.

For India, the meeting is an opportunity to showcase leadership and push for a more equitable international order. It also provides a platform to reinforce its priorities of sustainable development and innovation while strengthening partnerships across the Global South.

Wang Yi’s visit is being closely watched as a potential signal of improving India–China relations. Despite tensions in recent years, dialogue has continued through high-level meetings and confidence-building measures. His presence in New Delhi, after skipping the BRICS foreign ministers’ meeting last month due to scheduling conflicts, underscores Beijing’s willingness to engage.

On the sidelines, Wang Yi is expected to meet Ajit Doval to discuss bilateral issues, including the situation along the Line of Actual Control. These talks are vital for restoring trust and ensuring peace along the border. Both sides have been working through the Special Representatives mechanism and other channels to stabilise ties since the disengagement agreement of October 2024.

The meeting also reflects China’s broader diplomatic posture. Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China and Director of the Office of the Central Foreign Affairs Commission, plays a central role in shaping Beijing’s foreign policy. His engagement in New Delhi signals China’s interest in deepening political and security cooperation within BRICS while balancing its bilateral relations with India.

Ultimately, the BRICS NSA meeting is not just about collective security but also about diplomacy. It offers India and China another chance to rebuild confidence while advancing multilateral cooperation. Whether this visit leads to tangible progress in bilateral ties remains to be seen, but it undoubtedly adds warmth to the diplomatic atmosphere.

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India And Slovakia Strengthen Defence, Cybersecurity And Connectivity Cooperation

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Slovakia has marked a historic milestone in bilateral relations, being the first by an Indian Prime Minister since Slovakia’s independence in 1993.

During the visit, Modi and Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico agreed to deepen cooperation across defence, cybersecurity, critical infrastructure protection and connectivity, identifying these areas as strategic pillars of their growing partnership.

The Joint Statement issued on Monday reflected a shared vision for strengthening ties in sectors vital to both nations’ security and prosperity.

The two leaders emphasised the importance of defence and security cooperation, agreeing to encourage regular consultations and exchanges between their respective defence authorities.

They highlighted opportunities for collaboration in defence technologies, capacity building, research and development, and defence industrial cooperation. In this context, the signing of the Letter of Intent on Defence Cooperation was welcomed as a step that would foster mutually beneficial partnerships in the defence sector, giving new momentum to joint development and joint production.

Cybersecurity emerged as another critical area of cooperation. Modi and Fico agreed to strengthen collaboration in protecting critical information infrastructure and in preventing and countering cybercrime.

They underscored the importance of promoting an open, secure, accessible, stable, interoperable, resilient and peaceful digital space. Recognising emerging technological challenges, both leaders committed to supporting each other in safeguarding information technology systems against quantum threats to cryptography, including preparedness for post-quantum security transitions.

This cooperation will be facilitated by the Memorandum of Cooperation signed in the field of critical infrastructure protection and post-quantum cryptography.

Connectivity was also highlighted as a strategic pillar of bilateral ties. The leaders underscored the importance of promoting joint ventures, technology transfer, innovation and skills development in the automotive and railway sectors.

They noted that such collaboration would enhance competitiveness and generate new employment opportunities. Slovakia’s position as a Central European transport hub and India’s large-scale manufacturing capabilities were recognised as complementary strengths that could boost trade, investment and connectivity. Both sides encouraged exploring direct air connectivity between India and Slovakia to facilitate growing economic, business and people-to-people exchanges.

During his joint press statement with Prime Minister Fico in Bratislava, Modi described defence cooperation as a testament to deep mutual trust and strategic convergence.

He expressed satisfaction over the signing of the Letter of Intent, noting that it would provide new momentum to joint development and production in the defence sector. Fico, in his remarks, reiterated his interest in collaboration in the defence industry, signalling Slovakia’s readiness to expand cooperation in this domain.

The visit, set against the backdrop of Bratislava’s historic landmarks, underscored the elevation of India-Slovakia relations to a new level of strategic engagement. The agreements and commitments made during the talks reflect a shared determination to strengthen bilateral ties across defence, cybersecurity, infrastructure and connectivity, while also opening new avenues for trade and investment. 

Modi’s historic visit has thus laid the foundation for a comprehensive partnership that aligns mutual priorities and addresses emerging global challenges.

Agencies

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India And Slovakia Announce 14 Landmark Outcomes As Ties Elevated To Comprehensive Partnership

India and Slovakia announced 14 landmark outcomes during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s historic first visit to Bratislava, elevating bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Partnership and expanding cooperation across defence, technology, labour mobility, scientific research, and culture.

This marks the first-ever visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Slovakia since its independence in 1993, underscoring the strategic depth of the relationship.

Prime Minister Modi described the elevation of ties to a Comprehensive Partnership as a “very special moment,” highlighting the breadth of cooperation ranging from advanced manufacturing and green technology to cultural exchanges.

His meeting with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico produced wide-ranging agreements that reflect the untapped potential of the partnership.

Among the most significant outcomes was the establishment of a Joint Working Group on Counter Terrorism, reinforcing both nations’ commitment to combating global threats. A Consular Dialogue mechanism was also launched to strengthen cooperation in consular matters, ensuring smoother engagement for citizens of both countries.

In the sphere of mobility and defence, India and Slovakia signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Labour Migration, facilitating the movement of professionals and skilled workers. A Letter of Intent on defence cooperation was finalised to promote joint development, production, and collaboration between defence industries, signalling a strong strategic convergence.

Technology and innovation emerged as central pillars of the partnership. Agreements included an MoU on Digital Technologies, an MoU on Higher Education and Research, and an MoU on Audio-visual Creation.

The establishment of the first-ever ICCR Chair in Artificial Intelligence at the Technical University of Kosice was announced, reflecting India’s commitment to responsible AI development. Additionally, a Memorandum of Understanding on Quantum Communication and Critical Infrastructure Protection was signed, underscoring the focus on emerging technologies.

Health and wellness cooperation was strengthened through an MoU between the National Institute of Naturopathy, Pune, and Slovak Health Spa Piestany, promoting traditional systems of healthcare. Academic collaboration expanded with an agreement between IIT-Delhi and the Slovak Technical University, covering student exchanges, scholarships, and joint research. Tourism cooperation was enhanced through an agreement between tour operators’ associations of both countries.

Scientific collaboration received a boost with an Agreement on Scientific Cooperation between the Indian National Science Academy (INSA) and the Slovak Academy of Sciences (SAS). These initiatives reflect a shared commitment to advancing knowledge and innovation.

Cultural diplomacy was a prominent feature of the visit. Prime Minister Modi highlighted the global resonance of Indian traditions, referring to Slovak children’s paintings inspired by the Panchatantra and Jataka tales.

At the Presidential Palace, Modi and Slovak President Peter Pellegrini viewed an exhibition themed on Varanasi City, featuring artworks by Slovak artists who had visited India. These cultural exchanges underscore the role of art in strengthening bilateral ties.

Economic engagement was another major focus. Modi interacted with Slovak business leaders, emphasising India’s reform trajectory and inviting Slovak companies to deepen investment and manufacturing partnerships. He noted that the India-EU Free Trade Agreement would add momentum to bilateral cooperation, particularly in automobiles, railways, advanced manufacturing, and green technology.

The ceremonial aspects of the visit included a wreath-laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Bratislava, honouring Slovak soldiers who sacrificed for their country’s freedom. Modi was welcomed with traditional Slovak customs, including bread and salt, and performances by folk ensembles, symbolising hospitality and goodwill.

This visit, the first by an Indian Prime Minister to Slovakia, represents a decisive step in India’s outreach to Central Europe. By unveiling 14 outcomes across strategic, economic, technological, and cultural domains, both nations have signalled their intent to build a robust, future-oriented partnership.

ANI

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India’s DRDO Develops Indigenous AI For Cyber Defence And Military Security

The Defence Research and Development Organisation has embarked on a significant initiative to develop an indigenous artificial intelligence system tailored for cyber defence, as reported by News18 .

This project is designed to address critical areas such as vulnerability discovery, malware analysis, and threat intelligence, with the aim of creating a defence-grade AI capability that operates entirely within secure military networks.

By doing so, India seeks to reduce its dependence on foreign AI models for sensitive national security applications, ensuring that all model weights, training data, inference logs, and operational outputs remain confined to defence-controlled infrastructure.

Officials have emphasised that the system will function in a fully air-gapped environment, thereby eliminating risks associated with external connectivity. This approach is intended to safeguard against potential backdoors, adversarial model poisoning, and reliance on overseas computing infrastructure. 

The AI platform will be capable of identifying a wide range of software vulnerabilities, including memory corruption bugs, use-after-free and double-free vulnerabilities, authentication bypasses, injection attacks, cryptographic weaknesses, and logic flaws.

Beyond detection, the system will generate proof-of-concept exploit code to validate security flaws and recommend context-aware patches, while also explaining remediation measures to analysts.

The scale of the project is ambitious, with DRDO envisioning a large language model in the 30–70 billion parameter category. This places the system in the same class as advanced global AI models currently available.

The architecture is expected to integrate Retrieval-Augmented Generation, agentic reasoning frameworks, and human-in-the-loop reinforcement mechanisms to ensure continuous improvement in performance. Once operational, the capability will be deployed across cyber laboratories, service headquarters, and designated cyber defence units, thereby strengthening India’s cyber resilience at multiple levels.

This initiative aligns with the Ministry of Defence’s declaration of 2025 as the “Year of Reforms,” which placed strong emphasis on technology-driven transformation in areas such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and cyber capabilities.

Senior DRDO officials have repeatedly stressed that India cannot rely on foreign AI models for critical military applications, highlighting the strategic necessity of trusted indigenous systems. The project is therefore not only a technological endeavour but also a strategic safeguard against external vulnerabilities in national security infrastructure.

If realised, this platform will mark one of India’s first dedicated military-grade AI systems focused specifically on cyber defence. It represents a decisive step towards building sovereign capabilities in advanced technologies, ensuring that India’s defence establishment remains future-ready in the face of evolving cyber threats.

The integration of such a system will also complement ongoing reforms in defence modernisation, reinforcing the country’s broader push towards self-reliance in critical technologies.

Agencies

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