In a significant move to boost India’s maritime cybersecurity, the Indian Navy hosted a seminar on October 16, 2025. Entitled “Impact of Cyber Attacks on Maritime Sector and Its Effects on National Security and International Relations,” the event took place at Sushma Swaraj Bhawan in New Delhi. Key figures from government, security experts, and industry leaders came together to address the rising cyber threats to the maritime sector.
This initiative is part of India’s broader aim under the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) and Viksit Bharat 2047 (Developed India 2047). The seminar focused on ensuring a strong defense for India’s blue economy and its vital maritime assets.
Keynote Insights
Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff, opened the seminar by emphasizing the need for comprehensive cybersecurity measures. Shri Jitin Prasada, Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology, echoed this urgency. He pointed out that as global shipping and port operations become increasingly digital, India must identify weaknesses and develop local solutions to protect its maritime interests.
“Cybersecurity is now essential for national and economic security,” said Prasada. “The maritime sector must adopt strong and flexible defenses.”
Importance of Maritime Cybersecurity
Admiral Tripathi highlighted that the maritime industry is central to India’s growth strategies, including initiatives like the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 and Sagarmala. He stressed that with the rise of digital tools in navigation, communication, and cargo management, the risks of cyber attacks are growing.
He called for stronger collaboration between civil and military sectors to foster real-time sharing of information. This collaboration is essential for protecting both civil and naval resources from potential cyber disruptions.
Panel Discussions
The seminar featured three engaging panel discussions focused on key issues in maritime cybersecurity:
Global Cyber Threats: Experts examined the increasing risks like ransomware and GPS spoofing, which challenge maritime logistics.
Civil-Military Cooperation: The need for a National Maritime Cyber Coordination Centre was proposed to enhance teamwork in threat detection.
Critical Information Infrastructure: Discussions centered on recognizing the maritime sector as a critical component under national cybersecurity policies. This designation could lead to better funding and regulatory support.
Key Recommendations
From the discussions, a set of actionable recommendations emerged:
Recognition of Maritime Sector: Classify ports and shipping networks as critical infrastructure.
Maritime Cyber Command: Establish a dedicated unit to monitor and respond to cyber threats.
Civil-Military Coordination: Create a multi-stakeholder task force to regularly review cybersecurity.
Training Programs: Launch training for seafarers and port staff on cybersecurity practices.
Support for Innovation: Foster partnerships between public and private sectors to enhance local cybersecurity solutions.
Tech Exhibition Highlights
Alongside the seminar, a Tech Exhibition showcased innovative cybersecurity technologies developed by Indian startups and defense firms. Innovations included AI-based cyber defense and encryption technologies, underscoring India’s commitment to self-reliance in cybersecurity.
“The creativity of our innovators reflects our nation’s vision for a secure digital future,” said Admiral Tripathi.
India’s Maritime Future
The seminar reinforced the idea that securing the maritime domain is key to both India’s economy and national safety. With over 95% of trade volume and 70% of trade value moved by sea, protecting these digital infrastructures is vital.
Participants recognized that as India advances its blue economy—improving ports and developing offshore energy—cybersecurity must shift from being reactive to proactively managed.
In closing, Admiral Tripathi called for a collaborative approach to strengthen maritime cybersecurity in alignment with India’s aspirations in the Indo-Pacific region.
Whether through technology or partnerships, the seminar marked an essential step toward a secure maritime future, ensuring that India can safely navigate the challenges of the digital seas.
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Indian Navy, Cybersecurity, Maritime Security, Jitin Prasada, Dinesh K. Tripathi, Samudra se Samriddhi, Sagarmala, Gati Shakti, National Cyber Strategy, Aatmanirbhar Bharat
