600 participants join  National Cybersecurity Exercise 2025 in India, discuss multiple topics including deepfake manipulation

The Bharat National Cybersecurity Exercise 2025, organized jointly by the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) and Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU).

The event saw the participation of cybersecurity professionals, policymakers, defense personnel, academicians, and industry leaders.

This year’s exercise incorporated a dedicated focus on Industrial Control Systems (ICS) security and AI-driven cyber threats such as adversarial attacks and deepfake manipulation, alongside core modules covering Security Operations Centers (SOC), API security, Reverse Engineering Malware Analysis (REMA), and Digital Forensics and Incident Response (DFIR).

Complementing the exercise, the Bharat CISOs Conclave and the BHARAT Cybersecurity Startup Exhibition served as vital platforms for strategic dialogue, enabling the exchange of knowledge and showcasing cutting-edge innovations that are poised to strengthen India’s cybersecurity ecosystem.

The Strategic Exercise (Stratex) segment rigorously tested inter-agency coordination, crisis management, and real-time response capabilities through simulated national-level cyber threat scenarios.

This component was instrumental in bolstering situational awareness and enhancing collective cyber defense readiness.

T. V. Ravichandran, Deputy National Security Advisor and esteemed Chief Guest, emphasized the critical necessity of incorporating evolving cyber threat paradigms into national security frameworks.

Ravichandran called for steadfast commitment, enhanced synergy across agencies, and continuous innovation to safeguard the nation’s digital sovereignty in the face of increasingly sophisticated cyber challenges.

Major General Manjeet Singh, Joint Secretary (Cyber), NSCS, shared an in-depth analysis of the lessons learnt from the exercise, highlighting emerging trends in cyber threats and the imperative to build adaptive, resilient defenses. He stressed the importance of sustained capacity building, threat intelligence sharing, and the adoption of advanced technologies to stay ahead of adversaries.

Kalpesh Wandra, Pro Vice-Chancellor of Rashtriya Raksha University, reflected on the essential role of academia in advancing national cybersecurity capabilities.

He emphasized that nurturing innovation, research, and interdisciplinary collaboration will be key drivers in developing a robust cybersecurity workforce equipped to tackle future challenges.

Debashish Bose, Director NSCS, extended a heartfelt Vote of Thanks, acknowledging the tireless efforts of all participants, partner organizations, and especially Rashtriya Raksha University for their instrumental role in hosting and supporting the exercise.

He praised the collective dedication and professionalism that made the event a resounding success.

As National Cybersecurity Exercise 2025 concludes, the event leaves behind a legacy of collaboration, innovation, and strengthened national preparedness, paving the way for a secure and self-reliant digital India.