New Delhi: India’s National Security Council Secretariat hosted the second BIMSTEC Expert Group on Cyber Security Cooperation Meeting on 21 January in New Delhi, the Press Information Bureau (PIB) said in a statement issued Friday.
This meeting aimed to develop an Action Plan for enhancing cyber security collaboration among BIMSTEC member states.
The proposed Action Plan focuses on improving information exchange, combating cybercrime, protecting critical infrastructure, responding to cyber incidents, and aligning with international cyber norms. The plan, designed for a five-year timeframe, emphasizes collaborative efforts to create a safer online environment within the region.
Key discussions during the meeting centered around establishing a BIMSTEC CERT-TO-CERT cooperation mechanism, fostering cybercrime cooperation among law enforcement agencies, and conducting capacity-building programs on cyber security. India highlighted its initiatives through the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C), including its “Cyber Hygiene for school children” program.
The participating nations agreed that implementing the Action Plan would significantly bolster cyber security cooperation within BIMSTEC. This collaborative approach aims to create a more secure and resilient cyber space for all member states. The first BIMSTEC Experts Group Meeting on Cyber Security was also held in New Delhi in 2022.