India has announced its commitment to fully fund the United Nations Global ICT Security Cooperation and Capacity-Building Portal, reinforcing its leadership in global cybersecurity and digital cooperation. The announcement was made by Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, during the first substantive plenary meeting of the UN’s permanent cyber mechanism held from 20–24 July.

The initiative aims to bridge the digital capacity divide by providing member states, particularly developing nations, with the resources, training, and technical support needed to strengthen cybersecurity and build resilient digital infrastructure. As digital transformation accelerates worldwide, technologies such as artificial intelligence are becoming increasingly important in strengthening cybersecurity and digital governance. Read our article on How Artificial Intelligence is Changing Jobs and Careers in India to explore how AI is reshaping industries and digital capabilities.

India Strengthens Global Cybersecurity Through UN ICT Security Portal

The announcement follows detailed discussions among UN member states on funding, implementation strategies, and specialised fellowship programmes for women under the newly established permanent cyber mechanism.

India reiterated that strengthening cybersecurity is essential for ensuring that digital transformation benefits all nations. By fully funding the portal, the country is taking a significant step towards improving international cooperation and supporting secure digital development across the Global South.

This initiative also reflects India’s broader efforts to promote secure digital infrastructure and innovation. Explore our Technology News section for more updates on emerging technologies, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and digital transformation.

India Proposed the Global ICT Security Portal in 2022

India first proposed the concept of the Global ICT Security Cooperation and Capacity-Building Portal in 2022. Since then, the initiative has undergone extensive multilateral consultations before receiving international support.

The proposal aligns with discussions under the United Nations Open-Ended Working Group on Information and Communication Technologies which focuses on strengthening responsible state behaviour and international cooperation in cyberspace.

To ensure the project moves from concept to implementation, India has committed complete financial support for developing and operationalising the portal under the United Nations framework.

The portal reflects India’s long-standing commitment to promoting inclusive digital growth while strengthening global cybersecurity cooperation.

Key Features of the UN Global ICT Security Portal

The proposed portal will serve as a comprehensive platform for enhancing cyber resilience among UN member states. It is designed to become a central hub for cybersecurity knowledge, training, and collaboration.

Its major features include:

• A central repository of cybersecurity resources and best practices
• A global calendar of cybersecurity events, workshops, and capacity-building programmes
• Training opportunities and educational resources for member states
• An online collaboration platform for governments to exchange experiences and cybersecurity expertise

These features are expected to help developing countries strengthen their cybersecurity capabilities and reduce the global digital capacity gap.

CERT-In to Provide Technical Support

India’s Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) will provide the technical consultancy required for implementing the portal.

According to the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In)the organisation plays a vital role in enhancing India’s cyber resilience by responding to cybersecurity incidents, issuing security advisories, and promoting best practices for critical digital infrastructure.

CERT-In will oversee infrastructure development, testing procedures, and technical implementation to ensure the platform is secure, reliable, and scalable. Its involvement reflects India’s experience in building secure digital public infrastructure that prioritises accessibility, resilience, and protection against evolving cyber threats.

India Highlights Capacity Building as a Core Priority

India emphasised that cyber capacity building should remain at the heart of international cybersecurity cooperation rather than being treated as a secondary objective.

According to India’s position, effective capacity-building initiatives should be:

• Demand-driven and tailored to local requirements
• Transparent and inclusive
• Free from political or ideological influence
• Focused on long-term institutional development

India believes that strong cybersecurity measures must evolve alongside digital innovation to ensure sustainable and secure digital transformation worldwide.

ITEC Programme Demonstrates India’s Global Commitment

Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish highlighted the success of the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme as a model for international capacity building.

During the past five years, India has provided nearly 50,000 fully funded training opportunities to professionals from developing countries.

These programmes included approximately 400 specialised courses delivered through more than 100 leading Indian institutions, covering subjects such as:

• Information and Communications Technology (ICT)
• Cybersecurity
• E-governance
• Artificial Intelligence (AI)
• Big Data Analytics

The is Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme continues to strengthen digital skills, cybersecurity knowledge, and international cooperation by equipping professionals from partner countries with practical expertise in emerging technologies.

Dedicated UN Cyber Capacity Building Group Welcomed

India also welcomed the establishment of a Dedicated Thematic Group for Cyber Capacity Building under the UN Global Mechanism.

The creation of this group formally recognises the growing importance of cybersecurity capacity building within international security frameworks. It also provides a long-term institutional platform that complements the objectives of the new UN Global ICT Security Cooperation and Capacity-Building Portal.

As cyber threats continue to evolve, governments and organisations are investing more heavily in digital resilience. Explore our latest Cybersecurity News for insights into cyber policies, security initiatives, and global technology developments.

Conclusion

India’s decision to fully fund the UN Global ICT Security Cooperation and Capacity-Building Portal marks a significant milestone in international cybersecurity cooperation. By combining financial support with the technical expertise of CERT-In, India is helping transform years of international dialogue into practical action.

The initiative reinforces India’s leadership in global cyber diplomacy while promoting secure digital development, knowledge sharing, and equitable access to cybersecurity resources. It also supports the broader vision of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by promoting inclusive digital development and strengthening international partnerships.

As cyber threats continue to evolve, the UN Global ICT Security Portal is expected to play a crucial role in improving cyber resilience, expanding international cooperation, and narrowing the digital capacity divide for developing nations worldwide.