The meeting aimed to deepen operational expertise and foster the sharing of best practices in cybersecurity, reflecting the shared interest of the three nations in defending against cyber attacks emanating from agencies associated with China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA)
In response to the escalating cyber threats posed by China, cybersecurity officials from the United States, India, and Taiwan convened for a joint workshop on Monday and Tuesday under the Global Cooperation and Training Framework (GCTF). This marked the first in-person GCTF program held in India, co-hosted by US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti, Taiwan’s Representative to India Baushuan Ger, Lieutenant General Rajesh Pant (India’s former National Cyber Security Coordinator), and the Indian government-sponsored think tank United Service Institution of India (USI).
The meeting aimed to deepen operational expertise and foster the sharing of best practices in cybersecurity, reflecting the shared interest of the three nations in defending against cyber attacks emanating from agencies associated with China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA).
Ambassador Garcetti emphasised the commitment of the United States to collaborate closely with India and Taiwan to enhance cybersecurity and protect shared interests in the digital space. Lt. Gen. Rajesh Pant highlighted that India views cybersecurity as a critical component of national security, given its large population of over 800 million internet users and 1.2 billion smartphones. He highlighted the role of the Defence Cyber Agency (DCyA), a tri-service command tasked with handling and defeating cybersecurity threats.
The DCyA, headquartered in New Delhi, draws personnel from all three branches of the Indian military. A two-star admiral, Mohit Gupta, leads the agency, reporting to the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) through the Integrated Defence Staff (IDS). Fully operational since 2021, the DCyA has established Cyber Emergency Response Teams (CERT) in the army, navy, and the Indian Air Force.
The meeting also shed light on the Naresh Chandra Task Force (NCTF), established in 2011 to review recommendations related to national security. The NCTF proposed the creation of a cyber command (DCyA) among other reforms.
Representative Ger emphasised the importance of the GCTF as a platform to leverage Taiwan’s strengths in addressing global concerns. Despite its expertise in various fields, including cybersecurity, Taiwan faces challenges participating in international institutions due to pressure from Beijing. The GCTF serves as a valuable avenue for Taiwan to share its knowledge and strengthen connections between experts from different countries.
The United States, widely recognised as a global cyber warfare superpower, highlighted its commitment to equip forces for future fights against resilient and adaptive adversaries. The US Army Cyber Command, engaged in real-world cyberspace operations against global adversaries, emphasised the defence of military networks and the protection of critical US infrastructure.
“We operate and defend Army networks and deliver cyberspace effects against adversaries to defend the nation with over 16,500 soldiers, civilians, and contractors working 24/7 across the globe,” says the US Cyber Command.
The collaborative efforts between the US, India, and Taiwan underscore the significance of international cooperation in tackling shared cybersecurity challenges, fostering a united front against evolving cyber threats in the 21st century.