Matribhumi Samachar English
In a major step towards enhancing India’s information security capabilities, Military College of Telecommunication Engineering (MCTE) and Society for Electronic Transactions and Security (SETS) have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with an aim to advance research and development in critical areas of Cyber, Quantum, Hardware Security and Cryptology. Special focus on niche technologies like Bharat Post Quantum Cryptography (PQC) algorithms, Blockchain Systems, Hardware Security systems, Quantum Safe VPN and Quantum Random Number Generators (QRNGs) will contribute to the Indian Army’s mission of technological self-reliance and future battlefield ready and contribute towards ATMANIRBHAR Bharat.
The MoU was signed by Lt Gen KH Gawas, PVSM, VSM, Commandant MCTE and Colonel Commandant Corps of Signals and Dr N Subramanian, Executive Director of SETS, in the presence of Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Advisor (PSA) to the Government of India, Dr. Parvinder Maini, Scientific Secretary, O/o PSA to GoI, Maj Gen CS Mann, AVSM, VSM, ADG, ADB, Indian Army and Dr. Rakesh Kaur, Adviser/Scientist ‘G’, O/o PSA to GoI.
Key Highlights of the MoU
· Prototyping and Field Trials of cutting-edge technology solutions developed by SETS in AI, Blockchain, Quantum and network security to explore their military applications.
· Training and Capacity Building through joint workshops, seminars and certificate programs in information security.
· Infrastructure development by setting up advanced labs in MCTE to foster joint research and learning in cyber & information security.
· Collaborative approach for developing Bharat PQC algorithms, Hardware Security Systems, PQC based Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) and QRNGs and QKD systems under research and development.
Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Advisor (PSA) to the Government of India complimented the contributions of MCTE for technology infusion into Indian Army. He commended the initiative as a milestone in fortifying India’s technological capabilities and emphasized the critical role of cyber and quantum security in national defense. Collaborations, driven by innovative research and prototyping, are essential for preparing India for future challenges. He said that overlapping expertise of MCTE and SETS are poised for a seamless collaboration wherein MoU will serve as a catalyst in this inevitable partnership and significantly contributing towards safe secure cyber environment.
Lt Gen K H Gawas, PVSM, VSM, Commandant MCTE, highlighted the significance of synergy between MCTE and SETS Chennai and its alignment towards the initiative of “Nation First and National Security”. The synergy in multiple domains of Network security, quantum computing and cryptography not only propel the indigenization efforts but also enhance operational efficiency through secure and customised solutions for Indian Army. The partnership aims to exploring innovative solutions and strengthening resilience against emerging threats through collaboration in developing indigenous security infrastructure like Bharat PQC, QRNG, QKD, Quantum Safe VPN and Hardware Security systems.
Dr. N. Subramanian, Executive Director of SETS stated that the MoU marks a pivotal step towards strengthening the nation’s cyber and quantum defense capabilities. By leveraging the combined expertise of SETS and MCTE, the aim is to create robust solutions to emerging security challenges.
The MCTE and SETS partnership reinforces India’s commitment to achieving self-reliance in defense technology as part of the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. By combining the research capabilities of SETS with the military expertise of MCTE, this MoU is expected to generate innovative and creative solutions that will enhance the security of critical military networks and contribute to the nation’s broader cyber defense infrastructure.
