New Delhi: The Indian Navy successfully conducted a high-level seminar on “Impact of Cyber Attacks on Maritime Sector and Its Effects on National Security and International Relations” on 16 October 2025 in New Delhi.
Keynote & Leadership: A Unified Call for Cyber Vigilance
Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff, welcomed the gathering and stressed that cybersecurity must be embedded into maritime systems from the ground up.
The keynote address was delivered by Hon’ble Minister of State for Electronics & IT and Commerce & Industry, Shri Jitin Prasada, who emphasized the growing strategic importance of securing India’s maritime frontiers against digital threats.
Admiral Tripathi also underscored the government’s maritime vision under slogans such as “Samudra se Samriddhi”, Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, Sagarmala, and PM Gati Shakti, linking national growth with secured sea lanes.
Aim of this Maritime Cybersecurity Seminar
To deepen awareness of cyber threats in the maritime domain, foster multi-stakeholder collaboration, and bolster India’s overall cyber posture in the blue economy.
Panel Discussions: Deep Dives & Strategic Themes
The seminar featured three expert panel discussions, involving representatives from ministries and agencies including:
- Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways
- Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas (MoPNG)
- NSCS (National Security Council Secretariat)
- GAIL, Directorate General of Hydrocarbons
- CERT-In, NCIIPC (National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre)
- National Maritime Foundation (NMF)
And key industry & private sector stakeholders
Panel themes included:
- 1. Global Cyber Threats to Maritime Infrastructure
- 2. Civil–Military Partnership in Cyber Defence
- 3. Maritime Sector as Critical Information Infrastructure (CII)
These sessions surfaced the urgent need to treat maritime systems as independent CII, and enhance inter-agency coordination.
Innovation & Indigenous Solutions on Display
Parallel to discussion panels, a Tech Exhibition was organized in collaboration with the Data Security Council of India (DSCI).
Start-ups from across India showcased indigenous cybersecurity and defense technologies tailored to maritime domain needs. This aligns with the broader push for Aatmanirbharta and a “Viksit Bharat by 2047.”
Outcomes & Way Forward
Some of the key outcomes and decisions from the seminar:
- Identification of vulnerabilities in the digital backbone of maritime operations
- Strategy frameworks to mitigate threats and strengthen resilience
- Consensus on rapid information sharing and coordination among stakeholders
- Movement toward recognizing maritime as Critical Information Infrastructure under national policy
The Navy’s commitment to maritime cyber resilience was evident, as the seminar brought together policymakers, technologists, and defence experts to chart a secure digital future for India’s maritime domain.
Importance of maritime cybersecurity seminar
In an era where cyber attacks on critical infrastructure are rising globally, maritime assets — ports, navigation systems, communications, vessels — are prime targets. Any breach could impact energy, trade, national security, and international relations.
By convening such a seminar, the Indian Navy aims to bridge gaps between defense, civil agencies, industry and start-ups, ensuring that maritime security is not just physical but digital.
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