In a landmark initiative aimed at enhancing India’s cyber defence posture, IIT Kanpur, through its cybersecurity research and innovation centre, C3iHub, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Headquarters Central Command, Indian Army. The collaboration marks a strategic advancement in digital warfare readiness and underscores the Army’s growing emphasis on cybersecurity as a critical element of national defence.
Building Cyber-Ready Forces
Under the terms of the agreement, C3iHub will deliver a structured cybersecurity training programme comprising two intensive, three-month modules. These modules have been meticulously designed to equip Army personnel with advanced cyber defence skills, enhance their understanding of emerging digital threats, and strengthen their capacity to secure critical military networks.
The curriculum encompasses training on cyberattack methodologies, threat detection, incident response mechanisms, and network protection frameworks. By integrating such modules into the Army’s operational training cycle, the initiative aims to empower personnel to identify, assess, and mitigate cyber intrusions with technical confidence and precision.
Formalization of the Partnership
The MoU was formalized in Kanpur in the presence of senior officials from both institutions — Lt. Gen. Naveen Sachdeva, Chief of Staff at Headquarters Surya Command; Professor Somitra Sanadhya, Programme Director of C3iHub; and Dr. Tanima Hajra, Chief Executive Officer of C3iHub, who signed the document on behalf of IIT Kanpur.
Speaking on the occasion, Professor Sanadhya highlighted the collaboration as a defining moment in translating cutting-edge academic research into actionable defence capabilities. “This collaboration is a testament to C3iHub’s core mission of transforming advanced cybersecurity research into practical, mission-critical solutions that directly strengthen national defence. We are proud and fully committed to serving the nation by equipping our armed forces with the knowledge and skills needed to prevail in the digital battlespace,” he stated.
Strategic Significance
Officials from the Indian Army emphasized that this partnership represents a pivotal step in the modernization of training frameworks across the Central Command, which oversees several strategically sensitive regions. As cyber warfare increasingly influences the outcomes of modern conflicts, the Army’s move toward integrated cyber training aligns with its broader objective of achieving technological self-reliance and maintaining a decisive edge in the information domain.
Analysts observe that the partnership mirrors a global shift in military preparedness, where cyber operations have evolved from auxiliary functions to central components of national security strategy. The collaboration is expected to elevate India’s defence readiness and foster a culture of continuous upskilling among service personnel in line with international best practices.
About C3iHub and IIT Kanpur
C3iHub (Cyber Security and Cyber Defence of Critical Infrastructure Hub) at IIT Kanpur serves as one of India’s leading centres for cybersecurity innovation, focusing on applied research, training, and technology development for national security applications. The Hub actively engages with defence establishments, industry partners, and government agencies to strengthen India’s cyber resilience ecosystem.
Founded in 1959 and recognized as an Institute of National Importance, IIT Kanpur stands among the foremost engineering and science institutions in India. Its sprawling 1,055-acre campus hosts over 570 faculty members and more than 9,500 students across 20 departments, 27 centres, and multiple interdisciplinary schools. The institute has consistently contributed to technological advancement and innovation across domains critical to national development.
A Defining Step Toward Digital Defence
The C3iHub–Indian Army partnership signifies more than an academic collaboration; it is a national imperative aligning India’s defence preparedness with the realities of 21st-century warfare. As digital threats become more sophisticated and pervasive, initiatives such as this MoU reaffirm India’s commitment to securing its cyberspace and empowering its armed forces to operate effectively in an increasingly contested digital frontier.
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