India has launched a comprehensive artificial intelligence-based cybersecurity initiative to identify vulnerabilities across government digital infrastructure. According to Electronics & IT Secretary S Krishnan, as reported by NDTV Profit, the exercise has been underway for approximately one month and is being led by the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In). The initiative involves creating a dedicated AI sandbox where multiple AI models are being used to evaluate government applications and systems against potential cyber threats.
The government is deploying a combination of nine to ten open-source AI models along with one to two Indian-developed models to identify weaknesses before they can be exploited by malicious actors. As reported by NDTV Profit, these AI systems are being tasked with probing applications for security flaws, testing system resilience, and identifying potential vulnerabilities that traditional security audits may miss. The initiative represents a significant shift toward automated cybersecurity testing using advanced AI technologies.
According to Krishnan's statements to NDTV Profit, close to 500 government applications and systems have been stress-tested so far, with the work continuing. The initiative forms part of the government's broader push to integrate AI into public administration while strengthening cyber resilience as digital public infrastructure continues to expand. The exercise comes at a time when governments worldwide are increasingly using AI for both offensive and defensive cybersecurity applications.
The AI-based cybersecurity initiative represents India's broader approach to responsible AI deployment for public interest. As reported by NDTV Profit, Krishnan emphasized that leveraging AI to secure government systems demonstrates how technology can be deployed responsibly for public benefit, even as policymakers continue to deliberate on broader AI governance and safety frameworks. The initiative aligns with India's simultaneous investments in AI infrastructure through the IndiaAI Mission while exploring regulatory guardrails for the technology.
