India must strengthen cyber, electronic warfare capabilities to counter threats: Arunachal Pradesh Governor

Arunachal Pradesh Governor KT Parnaik on Tuesday said India must strengthen cyber, space and electronic warfare capabilities to effectively counter any potential threats from neighbouring countries.

Addressing a two-day seminar at Likabali Military Station in Lower Siang district on March 23 and 24, he stressed that faster decision-making, unified command structures and improved logistics are crucial for rapid mobilisation of forces and coordinated operations.

Highlighting the changing nature of conflicts, he said India needs to strengthen capabilities in cyber defence, satellite surveillance, electronic warfare and AI-enabled intelligence systems.


"Enhancing institutions such as the Defence Cyber Agency and the Defence Space Agency would help secure communications, disrupt adversary networks and maintain information dominance," he added.

Sharing his experience of more than four decades in the armed forces, the governor said strategic cooperation with partners such as the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue strengthens deterrence and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

"Joint exercises, intelligence sharing and coordinated maritime presence improve collective preparedness and send a clear signal against unilateral aggression," he said, adding that strong military readiness, technological superiority and robust alliances will help build an effective deterrence framework to safeguard national interests.

Drawing from his extensive service along the northern borders from Ladakh to Arunachal Pradesh, including tenures in Bhutan, the governor said China invests heavily in cyber capabilities, recognising cyberspace as a key domain for both defensive and offensive operations.

He said the Chinese military also prioritises electronic warfare and spectrum dominance, employing electronic surveillance, jamming and countermeasures to disrupt adversaries while safeguarding its own communications. PTI