US Committed To Working Closely With India, Taiwan To Enhance Cybersecurity: Envoy Garcetti

A joint workshop was held today under the Global Cooperation and Training Framework (GCTF) to address the growing challenges in the field of cybersecurity.

A joint workshop addressing the challenges in the realm of cybersecurity took place on Monday under the Global Cooperation and Training Framework (GCTF), as stated in an official press release by the US embassy in India.

Representatives from the United States, India, and Taiwan are currently convening on December 11-12 to enhance operational expertise and exchange best practices on cybersecurity issues during the workshop.

The event is co-hosted by US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti, Taiwan’s Representative to India Baushuan Ger, former National Cyber Security Coordinator of India Lt. Gen Rajesh Pant, and the United Service Institution of India. This marks the first in-person GCTF program held in India under the Global Cooperation and Training Framework (GCTF).

Ambassador Eric Garcetti said, "The United States is committed to working closely with partners like India and Taiwan to enhance cybersecurity and protect our shared interests in the digital space. When we connect, protect, and detect with technology, instead of fearing what it can do to divide or oppress us, we can take full advantage of the nearly limitless potential that these advances will bring."

Lt Gen Rajesh Pant, India’s former National Cyber Security Coordinator, highlighted the significance of cybersecurity for India, given its vast internet user base and smartphone penetration.

According to the US Embassy's press statement, since its inception in 2015, the GCTF has conducted 70 international workshops with participation from over 120 countries, focusing on strengthening connections among experts in various fields.

The GCTF, jointly administered by the United States, Taiwan, the Australian Office in Taipei, and the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association, serves as a platform for Taiwan to share its expertise globally.

The embassy expressed anticipation for continued collaboration with India, Taiwan, and like-minded partners to address shared challenges. The statement said, "Taiwan has world-class experts in a wide variety of fields, including public health, law enforcement, disaster relief, energy cooperation, women’s empowerment, digital economy and cybersecurity, media literacy, and good governance". 

Despite restrictions on Taiwan's participation in many international institutions, the GCTF provides an avenue for practitioners worldwide to benefit from Taiwan's expertise and foster connections among experts confronting 21st-century challenges that transcend borders, the embassy stated.