The National Cybersecurity Exercise – Bharat NCX 2025 was officially launched on Monday, aiming to elevate India’s cybersecurity preparedness against emerging digital threats. Organized by the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) in collaboration with Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU), the two-week cyber drill brings together a diverse group of cybersecurity experts, defence personnel, policymakers, and industry stakeholders.
The event was inaugurated by Deputy National Security Advisor T. V. Ravichandran, with RRU Vice Chancellor Bimal N. Patel also in attendance. Held under the theme “Enhancing the Operational Preparedness of Indian Cyberspace,” the exercise is designed to simulate real-world cyberattack scenarios, including threats to critical infrastructure, API weaknesses, deepfake manipulation, and autonomous malware attacks.
In his keynote address, Ravichandran underscored the strategic importance of the initiative, stating, “The cybersecurity of our digital infrastructure underpins national security, economy, citizen trust and public safety.” He emphasized that live, high-impact simulations like Bharat NCX are crucial to building a resilient and responsive national cybersecurity ecosystem.
Echoing this sentiment, Bimal N. Patel noted in his special address that “Cyber and AI capabilities have emerged as a potent tool of cyber defence, and digital space has evolved into a novel arena for statecraft, competition, and conflict, involving nation states and state-sponsored actors.” He highlighted key national goals including proactive threat prevention, minimizing vulnerability, and ensuring swift recovery post-incident.
Bharat NCX 2025 features several critical components:
- Live-fire cyberattack simulations
- An AI-integrated cybersecurity framework
- STRATEX (Strategic Decision-Making Exercise) for senior government leaders
- A CISO Conclave uniting key cybersecurity officers from government and industry
The Bharat Cybersecurity Startup Exhibition, showcasing indigenous innovations aimed at creating a secure and self-reliant digital infrastructure
Running from July 21 to August 1, the exercise will conclude with a detailed debriefing session. The insights gathered will be used to refine India’s national cybersecurity strategy and strengthen collaborative resilience across sectors.