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India, with its rapidly expanding digital infrastructure and burgeoning internet user base, has recognised the imperative need to secure its cyberspace. The increasing cybersecurity budget over the years reflects the government’s commitment to bolstering its defences against a spectrum of cyber threats that endanger national security, economic vitality, and the privacy of its citizens.
The changing geo-political and economic shifts have compelled the Indian government to take active steps to evolve in cyberspace. This includes strengthening internal safety and security under the Ministry of Home Affairs, investment in defence infrastructure, and having bilateral agreements with countries across the globe, to remain coordinated and have defensive-offensive strategies for the interest of the nation, its citizens, and the industry. Such strategic focus has culminated in key initiatives such as the National Cyber Coordination Centre, Cyber Surakshit Bharat, and National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre being created and strengthened.
The increased budgetary provisions for cybersecurity over the years have been directed towards various strategic initiatives. One of the key areas is the development of indigenous cybersecurity technologies, as noted by the Data Security Council of India’s report ‘India Cybersecurity Domestic Market 2023’.
By fostering innovation and research through grants and incentives, India aims to reduce its reliance on foreign cybersecurity solutions, which often pose risks of backdoors and espionage.
Before 2022, India’s budget for cybersecurity projects was relatively modest. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) allocated only ₹30 crore in the 2022-2023 budget, indicating that strong cybersecurity measures were just beginning to gain recognition. However, there was a notable increase in the 2023-2024 interim budget with the government allocating ₹400 crore for cybersecurity initiatives.
The commitment to cybersecurity continued with the 2024 interim budget. The government increased the allocation for cybersecurity projects again, reaching a record high of ₹750 crore. This trend indicates that budget allocations are likely to grow in the upcoming budget, with a growing focus on the latest technological initiatives such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and protecting critical infrastructure.
The government should consider significantly increasing the upcoming budget to comprehensively focus on cybersecurity and support the expansion of new initiatives. Allocating additional funds to skill development programmes targeting regional engineering colleges and government institutes can enhance visibility and awareness about cybersecurity. An enhanced budget can also play a pivotal role in raising awareness about cyber fraud across the nation in regional languages using diverse modes of communication, such as radio.
Increased investments in government bodies dedicated to monitoring and combating cybercrimes should be a crucial area of focus. Establishing sectoral and state security operations centres (SOCs) dedicated to managing and protecting India’s critical infrastructure is vital for national security. These SOCs will provide real-time monitoring, threat analysis, and coordinated responses to potential cyber incidents, ensuring the resilience and reliability of essential services.
Several key areas are likely to benefit in the upcoming budget:
While the increased cybersecurity budget is a positive development, challenges remain. Effective utilisation, transparency, and accountability in fund allocation are crucial. Collaboration between the government, industry, and academia is vital for a robust approach. India’s growing cybersecurity budget aims to build a secure digital environment, foster a skilled workforce, and enhance national cybersecurity.
