New Delhi, 21 January 2025: The National Security Council Secretariat of India hosted the Second Meeting of the BIMSTEC Expert Group on Cyber Security Cooperation in New Delhi. This gathering marks an important step in enhancing cyber security across the BIMSTEC member countries. The first such meeting was also hosted by India in 2022.
The meeting focused on developing a comprehensive Action Plan aimed at fostering better coordination and collaboration among BIMSTEC nations to strengthen cyber security in the use of ICTs (Information and Communication Technologies). The proposed five-year plan outlines measures for sharing cyber-related information, combating cybercrime, protecting critical information infrastructure, responding to cyber incidents, and staying updated on international developments in cyber norms.
Key highlights of the second meeting included discussions on creating a BIMSTEC CERT-to-CERT (Computer Emergency Response Team) cooperation mechanism, establishing a Cybercrime Cooperation Framework among law enforcement agencies, and implementing capacity-building programs for cyber security across the region.
India shared its initiatives, including the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C), and presented a program called “Cyber Hygiene for School Children,” aiming to educate young minds about safe digital practices.
Participants agreed that implementing the Action Plan would significantly strengthen cyber security collaboration within the BIMSTEC region. These efforts will help member nations build a secure and resilient cyberspace to address the challenges of the digital era together.
