India-US sign MoU on cybercrime investigations

India and the US have agreed to enhance cooperation and information sharing on cyber threat intelligence and digital forensics in criminal investigations, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) official spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal announced on Saturday.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cybercrime investigations was signed by India’s Ambassador to US, Vinay Kwatra and Acting US Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Kristie Canegallo in Washington, DC, on Friday.

Cybercrime has intricate linkages with the common security challenges faced by India and the US, such as terrorism and violent extremism, terror financing, drug trafficking, organised crime, human trafficking, illegal migration, money laundering and transportation security.

The MEA said, “The MoU allows the respective agencies of the two countries to step up the level of cooperation and training with respect to the use of cyber threat intelligence and digital forensics in criminal investigations.”

According to sources, cybercrime cooperation between India and the US is a key component of their strategic partnership. It is driven by shared interests in combating cyber threats, protecting critical infrastructure, and promoting a secure and open cyberspace. The two countries have established a range of mechanisms to facilitate cooperation.

Both countries already share information on cyber threats, attacks, and activities on a real-time or near real-time basis, when practical and consistent with existing bilateral arrangements.

In the past, the US has provided training and technical assistance to India to enhance its cybersecurity capabilities. The two countries already collaborate on cybersecurity research and development to address emerging threats.

From India, the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre established by Ministry of Home Affairs is responsible for execution of the MoU. From the US side, the Department of Homeland Security, and its constituent agencies, including the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Homeland Security Investigations Cyber Crimes Center, are responsible for its execution.