Col Anurag Awasthi (R) speaks on the critical topic of Cyber Domain with Lt Gen M U Nair, PVSM, AVSM, SM (R) who has exited as the National Cybersecurity Coordinator recently. The discussion chronicles noteworthy implications and importance of cybersecurity at the national level and cyber warfare is an offensive operation of war. The discussion encompasses cybersecurity being recognised as a part of Multi Domain Operations, the mandate given to the office of National Cybersecurity Coordinator, multi agency coordination during Op SINDOOR and acknowledged Indian footprint in Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI). The conversation includes the ubiquitous undersea cables which is now a part of maritime domain awareness, especially with spy ships and hydrographic vessels in the Indo-Pacific. The ensuing discussion discusses quantum technologies, cyber crime and the requirements of hardening of critical infrastructure in sectors like energy, telecom, health and defence. It also addresses the challenges between “Platforms and Networks” and their perceived, yet changing priorities in the digital age and new paradigm of war fighting.

Col Anurag Awasthi (R)

With 30 years in the Army and corporate world, Col Anurag Awasthi is a semiconductor policy expert, public speaker, and columnist, driving strategic tech initiatives across government, academia, and global forums.