India is witnessing rapid advancement today. There is an expansion of its industries along with the migration of people to urban areas, thereby boosting its economic growth. But there is an ugly truth associated with this progress. Due to changes in international political dynamics and tension on the borders, India is vulnerable to cyberattacks and CBRN (chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear) attacks to a greater extent now.
The "CBRN Defense Measures Report," released at the PHDCCI conference in New Delhi, has alerted the country to these emerging threats. The report emphasizes the urgent need to strengthen CBRN defense strategies. The report clearly warns that the nature of CBRN threats has now changed. In today's world, it has become extremely dynamic and fully technologically advanced.
In light of the ongoing war in Ukraine, the report reveals that industrial chemicals can be converted into chemical weapons and utilized extensively. Therefore, it is essential for India to develop its defense strategies and measures against these new threats, including those from drones carrying chemicals. It is good to see that Indian industries are capable of manufacturing advanced CBRN detection equipment, security devices, robotics, and AI-enabled analysis systems.
What is needed is a long-term, clear, and strong partnership between the government and industry to effectively utilize this indigenous strength for national security. Underscoring this sensitivity, Rolly Singh, Chairperson of the National Authority for Chemical Weapons Convention (NACWC), highlighted a crucial aspect. He stated that today's industrial infrastructure is increasingly dependent on IT and digital systems.
Consequently, the interconnection of CBRN infrastructure and cybersecurity is crucial. If a cyber attack targets sensitive industrial systems, it could cause massive devastation and major industrial accidents across the country's critical infrastructure. Since a significant portion of the infrastructure related to hazardous chemicals and biological materials is operated by private industries, the first wall of security must be built at the factory level. While the government will shoulder the responsibility of regulation and coordination, industries must step forward with their technical expertise and innovation. The need of the hour is to collaborate and create an impenetrable security ring that can safeguard India's future.
Upendra Kumar, a senior scientist at the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), said that today, institutions like the United Nations are weakening, and consensus on international conflicts is becoming increasingly difficult. Organizations like NATO are also under strain, and global treaties and rules have become mere paper.
In today's times, war is not limited to borders; trade, culture, identity, and natural resources are being used to weaken the adversary. Military power is now inextricably linked with economic and soft power. He expressed concern that, due to heightened tensions, some countries could lose control of weapons of mass destruction.