IIIT Bangalore propelling India’s growth by focusing on advanced communication

In a rapidly digitalizing world, where advanced communication and cybersecurity are critical to national progress, India is making strides toward self-reliance through its National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (ICPS). At the forefront of this mission is Prof. Debabrata Das, Director of IIIT-Bangalore, who leads pivotal projects in advanced communication and cybersecurity. In a chat with VARINDIA, Prof. Das shares insights into his work, the challenges India faces in becoming technologically self-reliant, and the future of communication and cybersecurity.

What specific projects are you leading, and why are they so crucial for India’s technological future?
I am actively involved in the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (ICPS), focusing on advanced communication. This mission, sponsored by the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, is a national initiative aimed at accelerating growth in 25 key areas critical for India’s progress, with a strong emphasis on self-reliance. Our work is not just limited to world-class research but extends to developing intellectual property rights (IPR) and products that can be used to make India self-sufficient.

I am leading two major projects within this mission. The first is the development of Open Radio Access Network (ORAN) for 5G advanced technology. This is crucial because, currently, only four companies globally control the mobile base stations we rely on for communication. These are complex systems that require extensive manpower and advanced technology, making them a significant security and financial concern. By developing indigenous 5G base stations, we aim to make India less dependent on foreign technology and reduce the enormous costs associated with importing these systems. We plan to begin field trials by the end of this year or in the first quarter of 2025.

The second project involves Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces (RIS) as part of the 6G technology landscape. RIS technology will allow surfaces to intelligently reflect communication signals, improving signal strength and quality for mobile phones, IoT devices, and other communication systems. This innovation will enhance not just human-to-human communication but also machine-to-machine communication, which is increasingly important in today’s connected world.

Given the growing concerns about cybersecurity, especially in a digital age, how is India addressing these challenges?
Cybersecurity is indeed a significant concern, especially as financial systems, confidential information, and even governance are now largely digital. Cybercrime is an evolving threat, involving highly sophisticated methods that make it a battle of wits between cybercriminals and cybersecurity experts. In India, extensive research is being conducted to develop innovative methods to protect against these threats. For instance, machine learning is being employed to enhance security, detect potential threats, and trap cybercriminals. However, vulnerabilities still exist, as seen in recent incidents like the Microsoft Azure hack. Protecting against cybercrime is a continuous process that requires us to stay two steps ahead of potential threats.

With data privacy being a major issue globally, what steps should be taken to ensure the privacy and security of its citizens?
Data privacy is a critical issue, and while countries like the United States and those in Europe have established privacy laws, India is still in the process of developing its own. One of our significant contributions to this area is the Modular Open Source Identity Platform (MOSIP), which we developed at IIIT Bangalore. MOSIP is an open-source equivalent of Aadhaar, and it is already being adopted by 23 countries as a means to manage identity while ensuring data privacy. The idea is to give citizens control over their own data. For example, when opening a bank account, citizens should be asked if they want to share their data only with the bank and not with any third parties. This approach ensures that privacy is not just a checkbox but a real consideration in every digital interaction."

What do you see as the future of India’s technological advancements in communication and cybersecurity?
The future is promising. As we move forward with projects like ORAN and RIS, we are setting the stage for India to become a leader in advanced communication technologies. On the cybersecurity front, the continuous battle between cybercriminals and security experts will drive innovation and make our digital infrastructure more robust. With the right policies, research, and technological advancements, I believe India can become a global leader in both communication and cybersecurity, ensuring a self-reliant and secure digital future.