India's IT Secretary S Krishnan Warns Against Foreign Cyber Security Resources for National Sovereignty

India must ensure its cyber security resources are developed domestically, even if friendly nations offer assistance. A senior government official highlighted this concern on Thursday. During a roundtable organised by the Start-up Policy Forum and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (Meity), Secretary S Krishnan emphasised the importance of independent resources in the cyber security sector.

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Krishnan stressed that relying on foreign resources for cyber security could compromise national sovereignty. "This is not something where you can actually take it from other countries. It becomes a threat to our own sovereignty," he stated. The need for self-reliance in this area is crucial for maintaining national security.

Challenges in Financing Start-ups

Krishnan discussed the challenges faced by the government in financing start-ups, particularly those in deep-tech sectors like cyber security. He noted that funding is especially critical during the growth and later stages of these ventures. The alignment of financial support with strategic national interests is essential for success.

The official pointed out that importing cyber security resources, even from allies, poses risks to national security. "It importing cyber security resources becomes a threat to our security to actually have to take it from any country, even a friendly country," Krishnan explained. Developing domestic capabilities is vital for a comprehensive cyber security strategy.

Government's Role and Public Accountability

Krishnan acknowledged that government processes might seem rigid to start-ups but stressed their necessity. "We are spending public money," he said, highlighting the importance of accountability in public spending. Citizens have the right to know how their taxes are utilised.

He also mentioned that several ministries run overlapping start-up programs, leading to inefficiencies. This overlap causes start-ups to spend excessive time seeking funds from various government initiatives, which could be streamlined for better efficiency.

Deep-Tech Sector Financing

The financing challenges extend beyond cyber security to other deep-tech areas like AI and quantum technologies. Krishnan noted that these sectors face similar issues due to the complexities involved in funding innovative technologies. Ensuring adequate financial support is crucial for their development.

The engagement of multiple government departments at both central and state levels offers diverse financing opportunities. However, this also results in start-ups navigating through numerous programs, which can be time-consuming and inefficient.

The emphasis on developing domestic capabilities in cyber security reflects India's commitment to safeguarding its sovereignty. By addressing financing challenges and streamlining processes, the country aims to foster innovation while ensuring national security remains uncompromised.