Over 600 cybersecurity experts, policymakers, defence personnel, academicians, and industry leaders converged in Delhi for the two-week Bharat National Cybersecurity Exercise (NCX) 2025, aimed at fortifying India’s digital defences against evolving threat landscapes.Over 600 cybersecurity experts, policymakers, defence personnel, academicians, and industry leaders converged in Delhi for the two-week Bharat National Cybersecurity Exercise (NCX) 2025, aimed at fortifying India’s digital defences against evolving threat landscapes.
Overview
Organised jointly by the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) and Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU), Bharat NCX 2025 ran from July 21 to August 1, 2025, under the theme “Enhancing the Operational Preparedness of Indian Cyberspace.”
Participants
A total of 600 participants took part in the exercise, representing government ministries, defence forces, critical infrastructure operators, academic institutions, and leading cybersecurity firms. This diverse cohort engaged in hands-on drills, strategic simulations, and expert panel discussions designed to mirror real-world cyber incidents.
Key Focus Areas
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Industrial Control Systems (ICS) Security
Participants defended simulated OT environments, identifying and mitigating attacks on power grids, water treatment facilities, and manufacturing lines. - AI-Driven Threats & Deepfake Manipulation
Dedicated modules addressed adversarial machine-learning attacks and the use of deepfakes for social engineering, fraud, and disinformation campaigns. -
Core Cyber Drills
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Security Operations Centers (SOC)
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API Security
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Reverse Engineering & Malware Analysis (REMA)
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Digital Forensics & Incident Response (DFIR)
Immersive Simulations
According to the Press Information Bureau, live-fire exercises recreated sophisticated multi-vector assaults on both IT and OT networks, offering participants practical insights into joint defence operations and AI-augmented threat detection.
Parallel Events
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Bharat CISOs Conclave: A forum for Chief Information Security Officers to deliberate on policy frameworks, threat intelligence sharing, and the regulatory landscape.
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Bharat Cybersecurity Startup Exhibition: Showcased over 30 homegrown ventures developing solutions in encryption, threat analytics, and automated incident response.
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Strategic Exercise (STRATEX)
The high-stakes STRATEX simulation tested senior leaders’ crisis-management and strategic decision-making skills against nation-scale cyber threat scenarios. Evaluators reported marked improvements in inter-agency coordination and real-time response effectiveness.
Voices from Leadership
“From governance and healthcare to energy, transportation, and defence, the cybersecurity of our digital infrastructure underpins national security, economic growth, and public safety. Bharat NCX’s realistic simulations are vital for our readiness,”
— T. V. Ravichandran, Deputy National Security Advisor
“Over the past two decades, cyber and AI capabilities have emerged as potent tools of statecraft. Our objectives include proactively preventing attacks, reducing susceptibility, and accelerating recovery with minimal impact,”
— Prof. (Dr.) Bimal N. Patel, Vice-Chancellor, RRU
Conclusion
As Bharat NCX 2025 draws to a close, participants leave with heightened situational awareness, strengthened tactical skills, and reinforced networks of collaboration. The exercise underscores India’s commitment to building a secure, resilient, and self-reliant digital ecosystem capable of countering advanced cyber adversaries.