India has taken a decisive leap toward future-proofing its digital infrastructure by launching the whitepaper Transitioning to Quantum Cyber Readiness. Developed collaboratively by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, CERT-In and cybersecurity firm SISA, the document provides a strategic roadmap for transitioning Indian systems to quantum-resilient cybersecurity protocols.
With quantum computing poised to disrupt traditional encryption methods such as RSA and ECC, the whitepaper calls for public and private entities—especially those handling national security, financial transactions and sensitive public service data—to urgently assess vulnerabilities and begin migration to quantum-safe technologies.
The initiative was announced in New Delhi by Secretary S Krishnan, who termed quantum readiness a strategic imperative for India’s digital-first economy. CERT-In Director General Sanjay Bahl underscored that quantum computing will redefine the threat landscape and called for proactive evolution of security frameworks through public-private partnerships. The collaboration with SISA enables forensic depth and integration of future-proof encryption strategies, ensuring resilience at the data layer where India’s digital trust architecture resides.
Quantum computing’s exponential capabilities render current cryptographic protocols vulnerable to decryption within a few years. For India—which has leapfrogged into global leadership in digital payments and online public services—this represents a critical juncture. The whitepaper assesses the impact of quantum technology on cryptographic systems and outlines practical methods for integration of quantum-resistant algorithms within existing ICT environments, balancing operational continuity and regulatory compliance.
SISA CEO Dharshan Shanthamurthy stated that quantum computing is the most transformative shift in cybersecurity in over thirty years, not just due to speed but because it redefines computational boundaries. The whitepaper proposes a holistic strategy for digital resilience, tailored especially for regulated sectors such as BFSI, healthcare and government services.
As part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations, the release amplifies India’s commitment to becoming a global leader in quantum-secure infrastructure. It positions the country to respond effectively to the emerging quantum horizon while protecting the integrity of its digital governance systems.
The launch marks a watershed moment in India’s national preparedness efforts and signals a unified push toward securing the future of its digital ecosystem across civil, commercial and defence domains.
