Joint Doctrine for Cyberspace Operations

Posted 27 Jul 2024

3 min read

Why in the news?

Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) released India’s first Joint Doctrine for Cyberspace Operations.

Cyberspace refers to the global volume of entities (such as Information and communication technology (ICT) systems) processing, storing and transmitting digital information and code, regardless of whether they are connected or not.
Military Advantages of operating in cyberspace: Real time intelligence gathering, offensive and defensive operations, Improved Communication, Signal Intelligence etc.
Vulnerabilities of operating in cyberspace: Cyberspace warfare or Cyber-attacks can disable official websites and networks, disrupt or disable essential services, steal or alter classified data, cripple financial systems etc.

Provides conceptual guidance to commanders of armed forces, staff and practitioners in planning and conducting Cyberspace Operations.
Promotes Jointness and Integration of three services (Army, Navy and Air Force), apre-requisite to the creation of functional integrated theatre commands.
Competing globally, as counties like China have developed significant cyberwarfare capabilities, including cyberweapons to degrade or destroy adversaries’ military assets and strategic networks.
Preventing hostile actions in cyberspace, which can impact nation’s economy, cohesion, political decision-making, and ability to defend itself.

Defence Cyber Agency (DCA): Established in 2019, the DCA is a tri-service agency responsible for handling cybersecurity threats and coordinating cyber defense efforts across the three services.
Exercise Cyber Suraksha – 2024: Conducted by the Defence Cyber Agency to develop Cyber Defence Capability of all Cyber security organisations and promote synergy amongst all stakeholders.
Cyber Emergency Response Teams (CERTs): Established by Defence Services to prevent and react to cyber attacks.
Cyber Security Operations Centre (CSOC): Monitors and manages cyber threats, ensuring the protection of defense-related information and communication systems, especially in Assam Rifles.

The doctrine is poised to shape future military strategies and operations, reinforcing the integral role of cyberspace in national defence.

CDS post was created in 2019 the rank of a four-star General.
- A Group of Ministers (GoM) in 2001 had recommended creation of the post based on Shri K Subrahmanyam Committee Report.
Functions and responsibilities:
- Heads the Department of Military Affairs created within Ministry of Defence and function as its Secretary.
- A Permanent Chairman of Chiefs of Staff Committee
- A member of Defence Acquisition Council chaired by Ministry of Defence and Defence Planning Committee chaired by National Security Advisor.
- Acts as Principal Military Adviser to Ministry of Defence on all tri-services matters of military and Military Adviser to Nuclear Command Authority.
- Assign inter-Services prioritisation to capital acquisition proposals based on the anticipated budget.
- Function as the Military Adviser to the Nuclear Command Authority.
CDS do not exercise any military command, including over the three Service Chiefs.