Bharat NCX 2024: India’s Cybersecurity Future with Innovation and Collaboration

Colonel Nidhish Bhatnagar of RRU delivered a heartfelt Vote of Thanks, acknowledging the pivotal role of NSCS in envisioning Bharat NCX 2024.

The Bharat National Cyber Exercise (NCX) 2024, a flagship initiative aimed at fortifying India's cybersecurity landscape, has concluded on a high note, setting new standards in resilience, collaboration, and technological innovation. Hosted under the guidance of the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS), this event brought together policymakers, industry leaders, defence personnel, academia, and over 600 cybersecurity professionals. Milestones and Key Highlights

1. Launch of Critical Cybersecurity Initiatives:

National Cybersecurity Reference Framework: Launched by the Director General of the National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre (NCIIPC), this framework is set to provide strategic guidelines for enhancing cybersecurity across sectors.

Bharat National Cyber Range 1.0: Developed by Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU), this indigenously built cyber range enables simulation-based training, testing, and research in cybersecurity, bolstering India's digital defenses.

2. Bharat CISOs Conclave:This strategic platform facilitated discussions among Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) from various sectors, focusing on actionable strategies to mitigate evolving cyber threats and improve organizational resilience.

3. BHARAT Cybersecurity Startup Exhibition:This exhibition showcased cutting-edge innovations from Indian startups, reflecting the nation’s thriving cybersecurity ecosystem and its commitment to fostering self-reliance in technology.

Valedictory Ceremony Insights

Lt. Gen. Johnson P. Mathew, Chief of Integrated Defence Staff, commended the event as a monumental step toward securing India's digital frontiers. He emphasized the importance of collective effort and foresight in addressing cybersecurity challenges.

Prof. Kalpesh Wandra, Pro Vice-Chancellor of RRU, highlighted academia’s role in shaping the cybersecurity landscape, showcasing RRU’s contributions through innovations like the Bharat National Cyber Range.

Lt. Gen. M.U. Nair, National Cyber Security Coordinator, provided a detailed overview of the event's achievements and emphasized the need for continuous innovation and capacity building in cybersecurity.

Lessons Learned and Forward-Looking Perspectives

Major General Manjeet Singh, Joint Secretary (Cyber) at the NSCS, presented a comprehensive summary of lessons derived from the event, outlining critical areas of improvement for national cybersecurity. These include:

Enhanced collaboration across government, private, and academic sectors.

Development of real-time threat intelligence-sharing mechanisms.

Increased focus on training and skill development in emerging technologies like AI and quantum computing.

Expressions of Gratitude and Closing Remarks

Colonel Nidhish Bhatnagar of RRU delivered a heartfelt Vote of Thanks, acknowledging the pivotal role of NSCS in envisioning Bharat NCX 2024. He also lauded the tireless efforts of RRU’s faculty, staff, and students, whose contributions ensured the event’s success.

A Transformative Impact on Cybersecurity

Bharat NCX 2024 has emerged as a transformative milestone in India's cybersecurity journey. Its successes include training over 600 participants, introducing innovative platforms for dialogue and solutions, and launching critical frameworks and infrastructure.

As the event concludes, it leaves a legacy of strengthened cyber preparedness, fostering a secure, innovative, and self-reliant digital future for India. Bharat NCX 2024 has paved the way for deeper collaboration and advanced measures to protect India’s critical information infrastructure in an increasingly digitized world.