US Consulate and MCCIA Launch First US-India Cyber Security Initiative

GG News Bureau
Pune, 27th Feb. In a landmark collaboration, the US Consulate, in partnership with the Mahratta Chamber of Commerce, Industries, and Agriculture (MCCIA), unveiled the first-ever US-India Cyber Security Initiative aimed at fortifying IT connections between the two nations.

US Consul General Mike Hankey, present at the MCCIA Pune Business International Business Summit, emphasized the initiative’s goal to unite leading cyber security experts worldwide, fostering job creation and the development of state-of-the-art solutions.

The initiative, strategically launched during a period of unprecedented digital advancements, seeks to establish Pune as a hub for cyber mentorship and promote cross-border collaboration in cyberspace, said Hankey. He underscored the critical need for a secure and resilient cyberspace to drive growth and innovation across both public and private sectors, ensuring global access to information.

Highlighting the centrality of cyber issues in the US-India bilateral relationship, Hankey stressed the importance of minimizing cyber threats while leveraging the digital revolution for global prosperity and stability.

Addressing the media post-event, CG Hankey emphasized the transformative potential of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and bioengineering, underscoring the initiative’s significance in bolstering cyber defences and safeguarding sensitive information.

The initiative’s scope will entail close partnerships with research institutions, industry stakeholders, and civil society to enhance cyber infrastructure and protect against cyber threats, he noted.

Expressing pride in the partnership with MCCIA, Hankey reiterated the shared vision of fostering secure and prosperous IT connections between the two nations, fostering a world characterized by openness, security, and prosperity.

MCCIA Director General Prashant Girbane highlighted the strategic importance of the initiative for citizens, businesses, and governments alike, affirming its role in advancing cyber resilience and fostering economic growth.

In his address at the summit, Hankey emphasized the profound impact of ongoing technological transformations, signaling the need for concerted efforts in cybersecurity to navigate the evolving digital landscape.