India’s flagship cybersecurity drill, Exercise Cyber Suraksha 2025, wrapped up on June 27 with a high-profile closing ceremony that marked a significant step forward in the country’s digital defense readiness. Held over 12 days, the exercise brought together more than 100 participants from the armed forces, intelligence agencies, and key national institutions.
Led by the Defence Cyber Agency under the Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff, the exercise was conducted from June 16 to 27. It saw active participation from agencies such as the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In), National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre (NCIIPC), Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Intelligence Bureau, CDAC, and the Department of Telecommunications.
The event aimed to strengthen inter-agency coordination and simulate real-time cyberattack scenarios to test India’s defense protocols. The exercise aligns with India’s strategic pivot to address evolving threats in the cyber domain, especially amid increasing hybrid warfare tactics seen globally.
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Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, who assumed office in 2022 following policy reforms, addressed the participants and emphasized the importance of integrating cyber capabilities with traditional and information warfare. He called the exercise a “launchpad for refining operational doctrines and enhancing joint response mechanisms.”
Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, Chief of Integrated Defence Staff and a key leader in the event, highlighted the importance of cyber resilience as part of India’s broader “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” initiative. With nearly four decades of experience, including leadership in indigenous aircraft development and commanding frontline squadrons, Air Marshal Dixit praised the technical expertise and preparedness demonstrated during the drills.
The need for robust cyber capabilities is reinforced by the World Economic Forum’s 2025 Global Risks Outlook, which lists cyber incidents among the top five global risks. A 2023 study published in the Journal of Cybersecurity reported that unchecked hybrid threats can increase a nation’s vulnerability by up to 40%.
India’s focus on homegrown cybersecurity infrastructure also reflects a global trend. According to IBM’s 2024 Cost of a Data Breach Report, countries that invested in local cybersecurity solutions reported a 15% reduction in data breach costs.
The closing ceremony also saw recognition of top-performing teams for their problem-solving and coordination in complex simulations. Both General Chauhan and Air Marshal Dixit commended their efforts, stressing the importance of continued joint initiatives.
Exercise Cyber Suraksha 2025 represents a pivotal move in securing India’s digital borders, complementing its conventional defense posture. It sets a template for future integrated cyber exercises and reaffirms India’s resolve to remain vigilant and prepared in the face of modern threats.
