Archive · 5 Sep 2026
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.
Gaganyaan astronaut Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair said India needs ownership and control over AI to strengthen national cybersecurity.
Nair warned that AI is making it harder to distinguish real content from fake content and blurring physical and digital boundaries.
He urged greater public awareness and responsible use of AI, cybersecurity and digital technologies.
Data Security Council of India CEO Vinayak Godse said Kerala has talent and potential to develop technology solutions for national and global needs.
DGP Manoj Abraham cited a 389% year-over-year rise in global ransomware victims, ₹19,813 crore in reported Indian cyber-fraud losses in 2025 and 4.8 million unfilled cybersecurity jobs worldwide.
- Who
- Gaganyaan astronaut and Indian Air Force pilot Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair, Data Security Council of India CEO Vinayak Godse and DGP Manoj Abraham.
- What
- Speakers discussed AI sovereignty, cybersecurity risks, Kerala’s technology potential and the need for more cyber defenders.
- When
- September 5, 2026.
- Where
- The Kerala Cyber Suraksha Summit 2026 in Kochi, Kerala.
- Why
- The speakers addressed growing AI-related risks, cyberattacks, digital fraud and the need to strengthen national and public cybersecurity.
- 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.
