The International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), an influential think tank, has recently conducted a research on the cyber capabilities of 15 countries, with India being a focal point. According to this report, India’s offensive cyber capability is regionally focused and principally aimed at Pakistan. While it does not particularly target China, recent confrontations have increased concerns about cyber security in relation to systems supplied by China.
The 15 Countries Under Observation
The report assessed the cyber power of four members of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance – the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia, alongside three cyber-capable allies – France, Israel, and Japan. Four countries perceived as cyber threats by the Five Eyes and their allies were also included in the study – China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea. Lastly, four countries who are still developing their cyber power – India, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Vietnam were analyzed.
How Countries Were Assessed: The Methodology
The comprehensive methodology used by the IISS analyzed the cyber ecosystem of each state and how it impacted international security, economic competition, and military affairs. The seven categories upon which each country was evaluated included strategy and doctrine, governance, command and control, core cyber-intelligence capability, cyber empowerment, dependence, cyber security, resilience, global leadership in cyberspace affairs, and offensive cyber capability.
Results of the Assessment: Three Tiers of Cyber Power
Based on the results, the countries were divided into three tiers of cyber power. The USA was the only country occupying the first tier, which was characterized by world-leading strengths across all categories. The second tier consisted of countries like Australia, Canada, China, France, Israel, Russia, and the UK, who demonstrated world-leading strengths in certain categories. The third tier, which included India, Indonesia, Iran, Japan, Malaysia, North Korea, and Vietnam, comprised states with potential strengths in some categories but significant weaknesses in others.
Key Observations Regarding India’s Cyber Power
Despite clear security threats and regional geo-strategic instability, India has made modest progress in cyberspace security policy. The military confrontation with China at the disputed Ladakh border area in June 2020, followed by a sharp increase in Chinese activity against Indian networks, has underscored this need for enhanced security.
To address its weaknesses, India is currently focusing on building new capabilities with the help of key international partners, including the USA, the UK, and France. It is also working towards instituting international norms of restraint.
India’s Digitally Driven Economy and Intelligence Agencies
India’s digital economy strengths lie in its large talent pool and vibrant startup culture. The private sector has taken the lead over the government in promoting national cyber security. Despite slow institutional reform for cyber governance, India still holds a prominent position in cyber diplomacy.
The National Technical Research Organisation (NTRO) is the main authority working closely with India’s main cyber-intelligence agency. Established in 2004, NTRO is responsible for intelligence gathering, cybersecurity, geospatial information gathering, strategic hardware and software development, and strategic monitoring.
The Way Forward for India’s Cyber Power
According to IISS, India can harness its great digital-industrial potential and adopt a whole-of-society approach to improve its cyber security. Political will and organization of its intelligence agencies are the keys to progress. One of the “leapfrog opportunities” suggested by the report for India to be more effective in cyber power involves aligning itself with other governments.
