This legislation is essential to fortifying India’s vital systems against emerging challenges, ensuring both national security and sustained economic growth

India's critical infrastructure is increasingly vulnerable to attacks and sabotage, a threat amplified by regional instability, particularly in neighboring Bangladesh. Recently, radical groups in Bangladesh have targeted essential infrastructure, with the intention of causing widespread disruption. This trend of sabotage is concerning for India, where similar threats loom large.

The need for a legislative framework, such as the Critical Infrastructure Protection Act (CIPA), is more pressing than ever. Such a law would establish a robust defense mechanism for safeguarding critical assets against both internal and external threats, addressing a significant gap in national security.

Geopolitical Necessities for CIPA: India faces numerous challenges from both regional and internal security threats. The South Asian region, marked by political and social unrest, poses a direct threat to India's stability. Radical ideologies and terrorist groups in the region, often driven by external adversaries like Pakistan and China, aim to target India's infrastructure, aiming to disrupt its economy and social harmony. These groups are adept at exploiting vulnerabilities in India's critical infrastructure, using methods like cyberattacks and hybrid warfare, which combine traditional and unconventional tactics. To effectively counter these evolving threats, India must urgently enact CIPA to protect its critical assets and systems.

Safeguarding Economic Growth: As India emerges as a global manufacturing and supply chain hub, protecting its infrastructure becomes vital. CIPA would not only shield key sectors but also ensure sustained economic growth. A well-defined legal framework would boost investor confidence by demonstrating that India is prepared to tackle both physical and cyber threats. Additionally, CIPA would enable swift recovery from disruptions, helping India maintain its position as a global player.

Evolving Threat Landscape:

India’s critical infrastructure is vulnerable to various threats, including terrorism, cyberattacks, and geopolitical tensions. These risks are dynamic and rapidly evolving, necessitating a proactive legislative response. CIPA can provide the legal tools to assess and mitigate these risks effectively, shifting the country’s security strategy from reactive to proactive. By implementing comprehensive protocols for sectors such as energy, transportation, and financial systems, CIPA would bolster national security and protect public safety.

Coordinating Protection Efforts: Protecting critical infrastructure requires coordination among multiple stakeholders, including government agencies, private sector players, and security forces. CIPA would facilitate this collaboration by establishing a clear framework for joint efforts, ensuring efficient responses and minimizing fragmented actions. 

Aligning with Global Standards: Enacting CIPA would also bring India in line with global standards for infrastructure protection. By addressing emerging technologies like digital infrastructure and the Internet of Things (IoT), and integrating advanced cybersecurity measures, India can ensure its protection strategies remain up-to-date. The act should incorporate technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain to stay ahead of evolving threats.

Securing Critical Sectors:

CIPA must prioritize the protection of essential sectors such as power, transportation, and manufacturing, which are vital to India’s economy. Ordnance factories, which produce military equipment, and water reservoirs, crucial for public health, must also be protected.

Furthermore, nuclear power plants, chemical factories, and airports require robust security measures. Social, political, and economic infrastructure—including government buildings, financial institutions, and public places—are critical to national stability and must be secured under CIPA.

Learning from Global Examples: Global responses to infrastructure threats highlight the importance of legislative frameworks. The United States passed the Homeland Security Act after 9/11 to protect vital systems from terrorism, while the United Kingdom enhanced measures after the Manchester Arena bombing in 2017. Countries like Australia and Germany have created specialized agencies to address cyber threats and improve coordination.

To protect its critical infrastructure and maintain its trajectory as a global economic power, India must prioritize the enactment of CIPA.

The government should take immediate steps to establish a centralized coordination authority responsible for overseeing protection measures. A comprehensive risk assessment framework must be developed, and public-private partnerships should be enhanced to ensure efficient responses to threats.

(The Author is affiliated with an Independent Think Tank; views are personal)