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Securing India's Digital Future: A United Front for Cyber-Resilient Cities
India is taking proactive steps to safeguard its increasingly digital urban landscape. A recent National Conference brought together key government ministries, agencies, and city officials to forge a collective roadmap for enhancing cybersecurity in cities. The focus is on implementing robust frameworks, appointing dedicated cybersecurity officers, and empowering Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) to drive long-term urban development with a strong emphasis on cyber preparedness.
New Delhi, India – 19th July 2025 – As India's cities rapidly embrace digitalisation across various functions, from traffic management to public services, the need for robust cybersecurity has never been more critical. Recognising this imperative, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), in a significant collaborative effort with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), hosted the "National Conference on Making Cities Cyber Secure" on 18th July 2025 at the iconic Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi.
This landmark conference brought together an impressive gathering of over 300 delegates, including senior officials from Central Ministries, National Cybersecurity Agencies, State Governments, and Urban Local Bodies. The diverse participation, which included State IT and Urban Development Secretaries, ADGs, Municipal Commissioners, and CEOs of Smart Cities, underscored the nationwide commitment to tackling the evolving cybersecurity challenges that threaten India's urban centres. Key institutions like CERT-In, NCIIPC, I4C, and STQC were also prominently represented, highlighting the comprehensive approach being taken.
In their special addresses, dignitaries such as Shri Srinivas Katikithala, Secretary, MoHUA; Shri Govind Mohan, Union Home Secretary; and Shri Bhuvnesh Kumar, CEO, UIDAI, emphasised the urgency and importance of building a secure digital foundation for Indian cities.
The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs showcased its pioneering initiatives aimed at fortifying urban digital infrastructure. These included the development of comprehensive city-level cybersecurity frameworks, the crucial mandate for every city to appoint a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) to lead cyber defence efforts, and the successful completion of cybersecurity audits to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities. Officials highlighted that the technologies woven into the fabric of urban life – from intricate traffic systems to essential utilities and citizen-facing public services – are increasingly attractive targets for cyber threats. This necessitates a structured approach to risk management and seamless inter-agency collaboration.
A significant portion of the discussions also revolved around the crucial role of Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) in urban development. Drawing insights from the recently issued Advisory No. 27 (June 2025), stakeholders deliberated on repositioning SPVs not just as project implementation bodies, but as dynamic, innovation-driven entities. Their expanded mandate now includes providing consultancy, facilitating investments, integrating cutting-edge technology, and conducting vital policy research, all geared towards supporting long-term urban development goals.
The Intelligence Bureau also contributed to the dialogue, flagging emerging cyber risks that accompany the accelerating pace of tech-enabled governance. The conference concluded with a strong consensus: cybersecurity must be deeply embedded into every phase of digital urban transformation. Furthermore, empowering SPVs to align strategically with national urban priorities is seen as a key step towards building a truly cyber-resilient India.
This collaborative effort marks a pivotal moment in India's journey towards creating secure, smart, and sustainable cities for all its citizens.(source-pib)
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