The new cyberspace doctrine’s impact on India's security

India has taken a decisive leap forward in its national security strategy with the release of the Joint Doctrine for Cyberspace Operations. Unveiled by Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan on June 18, 2024, this doctrine marks a significant milestone in the country's approach to cybersecurity. As cyber threats become increasingly sophisticated and pervasive, this doctrine not only reflects India’s commitment to safeguarding its cyberspace but also underscores the broader implications for its national security and defence.

In an era where digital infrastructure is the backbone of national security and economic prosperity, cyberspace operations have become crucial to military strategy. This doctrine outlines a comprehensive strategy integrating cyberspace capabilities across all military domains—land, sea, air, and space. Its elements include both defensive and offensive operations, a unified command structure, enhanced cyber intelligence, collaboration with civilian sectors, and continuous training and capability development.

As India ascends to the global stage, its integration into the digital world has opened both opportunities and vulnerabilities, making the launch of a joint cyberspace doctrine not just timely but essential. It provides a framework for safeguarding the nation's digital frontiers, promoting resilience, and enhancing collaboration with global partners to counteract the sophisticated tactics employed by cyber adversaries. India’s proactive stance in cyberspace will not only protect its interests but also position it as a formidable player in shaping the norms and regulations of global cyber governance.

• Integration into the national security framework: The doctrine highlights the critical need to embed cyberspace operations within the broader framework of national security. Unlike traditional domains, cyberspace affects all facets of national security, from economic stability to political processes. By incorporating cyber strategies into the core of its military operations, India seeks to build a cohesive and agile defense system that can tackle both traditional and digital threats. This integration is essential for developing a unified defence infrastructure capable of effectively addressing the complex challenges presented by contemporary security landscapes.
• Proactive and adaptive cyber defence: The doctrine promotes a proactive and flexible approach to countering cyber threats. In the dynamic cyber environment, anticipating and preparing for future challenges is crucial, rather than just responding to existing threats. This strategy includes constant vigilance and maintaining swift response capabilities to quickly mitigate cyberattacks. By embracing this forward-looking stance, India ensures that its defense systems stay resilient and capable of maintaining operational security amidst the ever-evolving cyber threat landscape.
• Building a skilled cyber workforce: A fundamental aspect of the doctrine is the emphasis on developing a highly skilled and knowledgeable cyber workforce. Recognising that human expertise is crucial for effective cyber defence, the doctrine outlines initiatives for specialised training and professional development. This includes advanced programmes and exercises designed to prepare military personnel for the complex nature of cyber warfare. By investing in the continuous education and training of its cyber professionals, India aims to maintain operational readiness and resilience in the face of increasingly sophisticated cyber threats.
• Collaboration and information sharing: The doctrine highlights the importance of collaboration across different military branches and with external partners. Effective cybersecurity is a collective responsibility that requires coordinated efforts and the exchange of critical information. This collaborative approach is essential for building resilient defences and ensuring a unified response to cyber threats. By fostering strong partnerships and advocating for comprehensive information sharing, the doctrine aims to enhance India's overall cybersecurity posture and enable effective countermeasures against cyber adversaries.
• Integration with traditional military operations: Integrating cyber capabilities with traditional military operations is another critical element of the doctrine. By leveraging cyber tools to enhance operations across land, sea, and air, the Indian Armed Forces can achieve a more comprehensive and effective defence strategy. This integration not only strengthens conventional military capabilities but also provides new avenues for strategic advantages in both peacetime and conflict scenarios. The doctrine envisions cyber operations as a fundamental component of military strategy, thus ensuring a more cohesive and coordinated approach to national defence.

For India, the implications of this doctrine are profound. As a nation rapidly digitising its economy and integrating digital technologies into its military and civilian infrastructure, adopting a similar comprehensive doctrine can significantly enhance India's cyber defences. Strengthening both defensive and offensive cyber capabilities allows India to better protect its digital assets and deter cyber adversaries. The emphasis on integration and coordination across military domains ensures that cyber operations are seamlessly woven into conventional military strategies, enhancing operational readiness and effectiveness.

Moreover, the doctrine highlights the importance of collaboration with civilian sectors. In India, this means fostering closer public-private partnerships to secure critical infrastructure like energy, banking, and transportation. This cooperation is vital for sharing threat intelligence, developing best practices, and coordinating responses to cyber incidents. By building stronger ties between government agencies and the private sector, India can create a more resilient and secure digital ecosystem.

Investment in cyber capabilities and continuous training is another critical element of the doctrine. For India, this translates into a need to invest in cybersecurity education, workforce development, and the adoption of cutting-edge technologies such as Artificial Intelligence and quantum computing. These investments are crucial for staying ahead of emerging cyber threats and bolstering India's overall technological and economic growth. International collaboration is also a key component of the doctrine, promoting global cybersecurity initiatives and alliances. For India, active participation in these efforts is essential for influencing the development of international norms and standards in cyberspace. Engaging in global collaborative efforts provides opportunities to share best practices, access advanced cybersecurity technologies, and coordinate responses to worldwide cyber threats. This involvement enhances India’s strategic position and security on the global stage.

The Joint Doctrine for Cyberspace Operations represents a pivotal step in securing cyberspace, providing a comprehensive framework that balances defensive and offensive capabilities. For India, adopting a similar approach can significantly enhance its cyber defences, strengthen its digital infrastructure, and improve its readiness to face evolving cyber threats. As the digital age continues to unfold, this doctrine offers a vital blueprint for safeguarding national security and promoting a stable and secure digital environment.

This article is authored by Ananya Raj Kakoti and Gunwant Singh, scholars, international relations, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi.