India’s cybersecurity industry surges to $20 billion, powered by startups and skilled professionals

India’s cybersecurity ecosystem, led by CERT-In under the Ministry of Electronics and IT, has evolved into a $20 billion industry with over 400 startups and 6.5 lakh professionals driving innovation, resilience, and AI-powered defense capabilities

India’s cybersecurity sector is expanding rapidly, with the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) playing a central role in safeguarding the nation’s digital ecosystem. According to Dr. Sanjay Bahl, Director General of CERT-In, the industry has now grown into a $20 billion market, supported by a vibrant network of more than 400 startups and nearly 650,000 professionals.

Dr. Bahl shared these insights during an interactive session in New Delhi on October 29, 2025, with visiting journalists from the European Union. The event, jointly organized by CERT-In, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), and the Ministry of External Affairs, explored ways to enhance India’s cyber resilience and strengthen global cooperation in digital security.

Startups, AI, and collaboration driving cyber growth

India’s growing base of cybersecurity startups is spearheading innovation in areas such as threat detection, AI-powered monitoring, and digital forensics. This entrepreneurial momentum, coupled with a skilled workforce, is positioning India as a global cybersecurity hub.

As the national cybersecurity agency, CERT-In plays a crucial role in coordinating threat intelligence, assessing vulnerabilities, and issuing real-time advisories. Dr. Bahl emphasized that the agency increasingly integrates artificial intelligence and automation to detect and mitigate cyber incidents swiftly. Describing AI as a “double-edged sword,” he noted that while it enhances defense capabilities, it is also exploited by attackers.

In 2024, India recorded 147 ransomware incidents, many of which were contained through CERT-In’s rapid response and information-sharing initiatives. The agency continues to organize nationwide cyber drills and strengthen partnerships with academia, industry, and international bodies to build a secure and trusted digital environment.