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Both ASEAN and India have experienced a sharp increase in cyber incidents this year
In a significant move to bolster cyber cooperation and digital security, the First ASEAN-India Track 1 Cyber Policy Dialogue was held in Singapore on October 16, 2024. This inaugural event marks a key step in fostering deeper collaboration between India and the ASEAN bloc on cybersecurity and digital governance.
The Dialogue, co-chaired by India’s Joint Secretary for Cyber Diplomacy, Amit A Shukla, and the Philippines’ Undersecretary for Infrastructure Management, Cyber Security, and Upskilling, Jeffrey Ian Dy, brought together representatives from both sides to discuss the evolving cyber threat landscape, share national cyber policies, and explore new areas of cooperation in the rapidly changing digital domain. The Philippines, as India’s Country Coordinator for ASEAN-India dialogue relations, played a central role in organizing and facilitating the event.
This Dialogue follows the announcement made by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the 21st ASEAN-India Summit held in Vientiane, Lao PDR, on October 10, 2024. The ASEAN-India Track 1 Cyber Policy Dialogue aligns with India’s vision to strengthen its Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with ASEAN by enhancing cooperation in cybersecurity and digital transformation.
Addressing Cyber Threats in an Evolving Digital World
At the core of the discussions during the ASEAN-India Track 1 Cyber Policy Dialogue was the rising threat of cyber-attacks and the increasing complexity of the global cyber threat landscape. Both ASEAN and India have experienced a sharp increase in cyber incidents, ranging from data breaches to state-sponsored cyber-espionage.
The Dialogue allowed both sides to exchange views on current cyber threats and assess their respective national cyber policies. This mutual sharing of insights aimed to identify common challenges and potential areas for collaborative action. The dialogue also focused on the recent developments in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) at the United Nations, acknowledging the need for a cohesive global response to cyber threats.
Cybersecurity experts from both ASEAN member states and India emphasized the importance of establishing shared frameworks to tackle these threats. As cyber-attacks continue to evolve, adopting a collective and coordinated approach is essential for protecting digital infrastructure, securing personal data, and maintaining trust in digital platforms.
Strengthening Capacity Building and Training
In addition to discussions on the threat landscape, the First ASEAN-India Track 1 Cyber Policy Dialogue also explored areas of cooperation in capacity building and training. Given the rapid pace of technological advancements, it is crucial to upskill cybersecurity professionals and enhance digital infrastructure across the region.
India and ASEAN have committed to identifying specific areas where capacity-building initiatives can be implemented. These initiatives will focus on increasing technical expertise, enhancing policy formulation, and improving operational readiness to respond to cyber threats.
For India, this dialogue is a continuation of its broader push towards advancing digital literacy and cybersecurity, as outlined in its national digital transformation policies. India’s commitment to supporting ASEAN in developing its cyber capabilities was also highlighted, with both sides agreeing to further explore opportunities for joint training programs and sharing best practices.
The Track 1 Cyber Policy Dialogue contributes directly to strengthening the ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Cybersecurity has emerged as a key pillar in ASEAN-India relations, especially in light of the increasing interdependence between the two regions in the digital economy. The dialogue serves as a platform for the two sides to implement the ASEAN-India Joint Statement on Advancing Digital Transformation, which was issued during the ASEAN-India Summit on October 10, 2024.
This Joint Statement emphasizes the importance of digital connectivity and cybersecurity in achieving shared prosperity and growth. The ASEAN-India partnership in this area is expected to open new avenues for cooperation, particularly in advancing secure digital trade, building resilient ICT infrastructure, and ensuring digital inclusivity across all levels of society.
Both sides expressed optimism about the outcomes of the First ASEAN-India Track 1 Cyber Policy Dialogue, recognizing that the discussions had laid a solid foundation for future cooperation.
India’s active engagement in the ASEAN-India Track 1 Cyber Policy Dialogue is part of its larger strategy to play a leading role in global and regional cybersecurity efforts. In recent years, India has taken several steps to enhance its cybersecurity frameworks, strengthen its cyber defense capabilities, and promote international cooperation on digital security issues.
India’s initiatives, such as the National Cyber Security Strategy, Digital India, and the Cyber Swachhta Kendra (Cyber Hygiene Centre), have set the stage for deeper collaboration with ASEAN and other regional partners. By sharing its expertise and extending support for capacity-building initiatives, India aims to foster a secure, open, and stable digital environment in the Indo-Pacific region.
The First ASEAN-India Track 1 Cyber Policy Dialogue marks a new chapter in ASEAN-India relations, particularly in the field of cybersecurity. As both sides continue to face rising cyber threats and the challenges posed by the digital revolution, this dialogue provides a crucial platform for cooperation, knowledge-sharing, and joint action.
The Dialogue, co-chaired by India’s Joint Secretary for Cyber Diplomacy, Amit A Shukla, and the Philippines’ Undersecretary for Infrastructure Management, Cyber Security, and Upskilling, Jeffrey Ian Dy, brought together representatives from both sides to discuss the evolving cyber threat landscape, share national cyber policies, and explore new areas of cooperation in the rapidly changing digital domain. The Philippines, as India’s Country Coordinator for ASEAN-India dialogue relations, played a central role in organizing and facilitating the event.
This Dialogue follows the announcement made by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the 21st ASEAN-India Summit held in Vientiane, Lao PDR, on October 10, 2024. The ASEAN-India Track 1 Cyber Policy Dialogue aligns with India’s vision to strengthen its Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with ASEAN by enhancing cooperation in cybersecurity and digital transformation.
Addressing Cyber Threats in an Evolving Digital World
At the core of the discussions during the ASEAN-India Track 1 Cyber Policy Dialogue was the rising threat of cyber-attacks and the increasing complexity of the global cyber threat landscape. Both ASEAN and India have experienced a sharp increase in cyber incidents, ranging from data breaches to state-sponsored cyber-espionage.
The Dialogue allowed both sides to exchange views on current cyber threats and assess their respective national cyber policies. This mutual sharing of insights aimed to identify common challenges and potential areas for collaborative action. The dialogue also focused on the recent developments in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) at the United Nations, acknowledging the need for a cohesive global response to cyber threats.
Cybersecurity experts from both ASEAN member states and India emphasized the importance of establishing shared frameworks to tackle these threats. As cyber-attacks continue to evolve, adopting a collective and coordinated approach is essential for protecting digital infrastructure, securing personal data, and maintaining trust in digital platforms.
Strengthening Capacity Building and Training
In addition to discussions on the threat landscape, the First ASEAN-India Track 1 Cyber Policy Dialogue also explored areas of cooperation in capacity building and training. Given the rapid pace of technological advancements, it is crucial to upskill cybersecurity professionals and enhance digital infrastructure across the region.
India and ASEAN have committed to identifying specific areas where capacity-building initiatives can be implemented. These initiatives will focus on increasing technical expertise, enhancing policy formulation, and improving operational readiness to respond to cyber threats.
For India, this dialogue is a continuation of its broader push towards advancing digital literacy and cybersecurity, as outlined in its national digital transformation policies. India’s commitment to supporting ASEAN in developing its cyber capabilities was also highlighted, with both sides agreeing to further explore opportunities for joint training programs and sharing best practices.
The Track 1 Cyber Policy Dialogue contributes directly to strengthening the ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Cybersecurity has emerged as a key pillar in ASEAN-India relations, especially in light of the increasing interdependence between the two regions in the digital economy. The dialogue serves as a platform for the two sides to implement the ASEAN-India Joint Statement on Advancing Digital Transformation, which was issued during the ASEAN-India Summit on October 10, 2024.
This Joint Statement emphasizes the importance of digital connectivity and cybersecurity in achieving shared prosperity and growth. The ASEAN-India partnership in this area is expected to open new avenues for cooperation, particularly in advancing secure digital trade, building resilient ICT infrastructure, and ensuring digital inclusivity across all levels of society.
Both sides expressed optimism about the outcomes of the First ASEAN-India Track 1 Cyber Policy Dialogue, recognizing that the discussions had laid a solid foundation for future cooperation.
India’s active engagement in the ASEAN-India Track 1 Cyber Policy Dialogue is part of its larger strategy to play a leading role in global and regional cybersecurity efforts. In recent years, India has taken several steps to enhance its cybersecurity frameworks, strengthen its cyber defense capabilities, and promote international cooperation on digital security issues.
India’s initiatives, such as the National Cyber Security Strategy, Digital India, and the Cyber Swachhta Kendra (Cyber Hygiene Centre), have set the stage for deeper collaboration with ASEAN and other regional partners. By sharing its expertise and extending support for capacity-building initiatives, India aims to foster a secure, open, and stable digital environment in the Indo-Pacific region.
The First ASEAN-India Track 1 Cyber Policy Dialogue marks a new chapter in ASEAN-India relations, particularly in the field of cybersecurity. As both sides continue to face rising cyber threats and the challenges posed by the digital revolution, this dialogue provides a crucial platform for cooperation, knowledge-sharing, and joint action.
By building on the outcomes of this inaugural dialogue, ASEAN and India are well-positioned to advance their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, ensuring that the region’s digital future remains secure, inclusive, and prosperous.
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