India to Fully Fund UN Cyber Security Portal for Developing Nations

Kuwait City, Kuwait Jul 29, 2026 ALN: India has announced that it will fully finance the establishment of a United Nations portal dedicated to Information and Communications Technology (ICT) security, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening global cyber resilience and supporting developing countries in enhancing their digital security capabilities. This initiative is part of a broader strategy by India to position itself as a leader in global digital governance and cyber diplomacy, particularly in the context of increasing cyber threats and vulnerabilities faced by nations worldwide.

The announcement was made by India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, during the plenary session of the Global Mechanism on ICTs in the Context of International Security. This platform is envisioned as a critical resource for nations, especially those in the developing world, that struggle with the complexities of building robust cyber security frameworks amidst rapid technological advancements.

Harish indicated that the proposal for the UN ICT Security Portal, first introduced by India in 2022, has garnered broad international support after years of consultations and consensus-building. This reflects a growing recognition among member states of the urgent need for enhanced cooperation and capacity-building in the field of cyber security. By committing to fully fund the portal, India aims to transform years of policy discussions into tangible actions that can benefit a wide array of stakeholders, including governments, institutions, and cyber security professionals.

The proposed UN ICT Security Portal is designed to serve as a global platform that offers a variety of resources. These include training materials, a calendar of international cyber capacity-building programs, and an interactive forum for collaboration and information sharing among member states. The portal will not only provide educational resources but will also facilitate discussions on best practices and strategies for tackling cyber threats.

India’s financial contribution will encompass the development, deployment, and long-term maintenance of the portal, ensuring that it operates as an active platform rather than a static repository of information. This operational focus is crucial, as it will allow the portal to adapt to the evolving nature of cyber threats and the needs of its users.

To ensure the technical robustness of the project, India’s national cyber incident response agency, the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In), will provide the necessary technical expertise. CERT-In will oversee the portal’s technical architecture, infrastructure planning, testing, and security standards, ensuring reliable and secure operations. This involvement underscores India’s commitment to leveraging its own experience and capabilities in cyber security to aid other nations.

During the meeting, Ambassador Harish emphasized the ongoing challenges faced by many developing countries in building cyber security capabilities despite the rapid pace of digital transformation. He noted the importance of the portal in bridging the digital security gap, providing equal access to technical knowledge, training, and best practices. This approach aligns with the broader goals of the UN to promote sustainable development and enhance the resilience of nations in the face of global challenges.

Furthermore, Harish underscored the principle that cyber capacity-building initiatives should remain demand-driven, transparent, politically neutral, and tailored to the specific needs of individual countries. This perspective is essential for ensuring that the initiatives are effective and genuinely address the unique challenges faced by different nations.

India also highlighted its broader digital development strategy, citing its Digital Public Infrastructure model as an example of inclusive technological growth supported by strong cyber security systems. This model has been instrumental in protecting governments, businesses, and citizens from evolving cyber threats, demonstrating the potential benefits of a well-structured approach to digital governance.

In addition to the funding commitment for the UN ICT Security Portal, India reaffirmed its support for the Global South. Harish mentioned that nearly 50,000 professionals from developing countries have received fully funded training under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) program over the past five years. This program has delivered around 400 specialized courses through more than 100 Indian institutions, covering critical areas such as cyber security, e-governance, artificial intelligence, digital governance, and big data analytics. Such initiatives not only enhance the skills of professionals but also contribute to the overall capacity-building efforts in the participating countries.

India also welcomed the establishment of the UN’s Dedicated Thematic Group on Cyber Capacity Building, which aims to coordinate international efforts, identify capacity gaps, and promote practical cooperation among member states to strengthen global cyber resilience. This group represents a significant step towards fostering a collaborative approach to cyber security, recognizing that no single nation can address the complexities of cyber threats in isolation.

The commitment to fund the UN ICT Security Portal further reinforces India’s growing role in global digital governance and cyber diplomacy. It reflects an understanding of the interconnected nature of today’s digital landscape and the importance of international cooperation in addressing shared challenges. As cyber threats continue to evolve, the need for a secure, inclusive, and collaborative digital ecosystem becomes increasingly critical. India's proactive stance in this regard not only positions it as a leader in cyber security but also demonstrates its commitment to supporting the development of a more resilient global community.

In conclusion, the establishment of the UN ICT Security Portal, funded entirely by India, marks a significant milestone in international efforts to enhance cyber security capabilities in developing nations. It embodies a vision of cooperation and shared responsibility that is essential for navigating the challenges of the digital age. As countries around the world continue to grapple with the implications of digital transformation, initiatives like this will play a crucial role in fostering a safer and more secure global digital environment.