The report further stresses that effective preparedness requires closer coordination between government institutions and private industry.
India’s rapid industrial expansion, accelerating urbanisation and increasing dependence on digital systems are creating a combined risk landscape where cyber security and physical safety threats are increasingly interconnected, according to a new industry report released in New Delhi.
The study, presented at a conference organised by the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry, highlights that modern industrial ecosystems cannot be viewed in isolation from cyber vulnerabilities, as disruptions in digital networks can directly affect critical physical infrastructure.
It notes that India’s evolving security environment is shaped not only by geopolitical tensions but also by the growing complexity of industrial operations, where chemical, biological and radiological safety systems are often linked with digital control networks. This convergence increases the potential impact of cyber intrusions on essential services.
The report draws attention to global conflict situations to illustrate how industrial materials and dual-use technologies can be misused in modern warfare scenarios. It also highlights the increasing relevance of emerging technologies such as unmanned systems in expanding the scale and reach of such risks.
Experts involved in the discussion emphasised that cyber resilience must be integrated into industrial safety planning, particularly for sectors handling sensitive processes and materials. They warned that weaknesses in digital infrastructure can cascade into operational failures and large-scale disruptions.
The report further stresses that effective preparedness requires closer coordination between government institutions and private industry. While regulators provide oversight and policy direction, industry contributes operational knowledge, technological innovation and supply chain control, making collaboration essential for strengthening India’s overall resilience framework going forward.
