India and Singapore Hold First Cyber Policy Dialogue
On October 19, India and Singapore conducted their first Cyber Policy Dialogue to discuss the cyber threat landscape and assess strategies and policies. The meeting was co-chaired by Amit A Shukla, Joint Secretary of Cyber Diplomacy from India’s Ministry of External Affairs, and David Koh, Chief Executive of the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore.
During the dialogue, both countries shared their views on cyber threats, national strategies, and developments in global cyber governance under the United Nations. They explored bilateral cooperation in cyber threat alerts, protection of critical information infrastructure, and joint capacity building and training activities.
This dialogue is part of the digitalisation pillar of India-Singapore bilateral cooperation, as outlined in the India-Singapore Joint Statement during the Prime Minister’s visit to Singapore in September 2024. The establishment of this dialogue aims to identify potential areas for cyberspace cooperation between the two nations.
Doubts Revealed
Cyber Policy Dialogue -: A Cyber Policy Dialogue is a meeting where countries discuss how to protect themselves from dangers on the internet, like hackers or viruses. It’s like a conversation to make sure everyone is safe online.
Cyber threats -: Cyber threats are dangers that come from the internet, like someone trying to steal your information or harm your computer. It’s like a bad guy trying to break into your house, but on the internet.
Amit A Shukla -: Amit A Shukla is a person who works for India’s Ministry of External Affairs, which is a part of the government that deals with other countries. He helps India talk to other countries about important issues.
David Koh -: David Koh is a person from Singapore who works for the Cyber Security Agency. This agency helps keep Singapore safe from internet dangers.
Cyber Security Agency -: The Cyber Security Agency is a group in Singapore that works to protect the country from internet dangers. They make sure that computers and networks are safe from hackers and viruses.
Bilateral cooperation -: Bilateral cooperation means two countries working together to solve problems or achieve goals. In this case, India and Singapore are working together to stay safe from internet threats.
Critical infrastructure -: Critical infrastructure refers to important systems and structures like power plants, water supply, and transportation that are essential for a country to function. Protecting these from cyber threats is very important.
Joint training activities -: Joint training activities are exercises where people from different countries practice working together. This helps them learn how to handle problems, like cyber threats, more effectively.