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Astronaut Calls AI Sovereignty Essential to India’s Cybersecurity

Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair said India should develop and control its own artificial-intelligence technology.

He said this could help protect the country from cyberattacks.

AI can also make it harder to tell whether something online is real or fake.

He explained that digital problems can affect people, industries and countries just like physical problems can.

Nair said people should learn more about staying safe online.

He also said India’s space and software achievements show that the country has strong technology skills.

Other speakers said Kerala could help create cybersecurity solutions.

A police official warned that cyberattacks are increasing and that more cybersecurity workers are needed.

Key facts

Event: Kerala Cyber Suraksha Summit 2026
Main speaker: Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair, Gaganyaan astronaut and Indian Air Force pilot
AI sovereignty position: Nair said cybersecurity would have limited value unless India owned and controlled AI technologies.
Chandrayaan-3 reference: Nair cited Chandrayaan-3’s landing near the Moon’s south polar region in August 2023 as evidence of India’s technological capability.
Ransomware increase: Manoj Abraham reported a 389% year-over-year rise in ransomware victims worldwide.
Indian cyber-fraud losses: Reported financial losses from cyber fraud in India totaled ₹19,813 crore in 2025.
Cybersecurity workforce gap: There were reportedly 4.8 million unfilled cybersecurity jobs worldwide.