The Indian government is training specialized cyber commandos to address increasing AI-driven cybercrime threats, aiming to protect businesses and critical infrastructure. This initiative is led by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs to strengthen India’s cybersecurity capabilities.
Training is taking place at the Defence Institute of Advanced Technology (DIAT), a deemed university under DRDO.
Why It Matters Now
Cybercriminals are rapidly adopting AI tools for malicious activities. According to available sources, there is no public GIREM report confirming the 82.6% figure for AI tools in phishing emails. Instead, published cybersecurity reports note an increase in AI involvement in phishing, but no widely accepted statistic matches this percentage. Recent cybersecurity reports show criminals are using AI for a wide range of activities beyond generating phishing emails, such as creating fake websites and automating attacks.
“AI is not only used to generate realistic email text but also to create convincing dashboards, register typo-squatting domains, and develop dynamic, interactive phishing pages, significantly enhancing the effectiveness of these cyber threats,” the report stated.
Strategic Advantage
The first batch of 30 cyber commandos from Jammu and Kashmir Police completed training in May, applying their skills to recent police operations.
Manisha Nene, head of the computer science department at DIAT, explained the updated approach. “As cybercrimes rapidly evolve due to the integration of advanced AI tools in criminal activities, we have updated the syllabus for our training programme. We will train them on how to investigate these AI tools used in criminal cases.”
The six-month course covers multiple aspects of emerging cyber threats. Training includes AI-generated deepfakes, automated phishing campaigns, identity spoofing, and algorithmic attacks on critical infrastructure. Real-time manipulation of data streams is also part of the curriculum.
DIAT involves eight professors and DRDO scientists to ensure comprehensive learning. “What is crucial for us is to bring a variety of perspectives and scenarios so that attendees can work on or investigate complex cases in real-time. We also simulate situations by working on specific cases during the class, providing them with exposure to real situations,” an official added.
Market Impact in India
Sanjay Shintre, deputy inspector general of the Maharashtra Cyber Cell, highlighted the program’s importance. “The use of AI tools is significant in several cyber cases, and it is often complicated to address these issues at the police station level. Therefore, the role of highly trained police personnel is crucial. These trained cyber commandos will become valuable assets for the force in tackling advanced cybercrimes.”
The program addresses a significant skills gap in law enforcement. Shintre noted challenges faced by Maharashtra Police personnel in clearing entrance examinations. “There are many police officers and personnel who excel in investigating cybercrime cases, but their lack of theoretical knowledge prevents them from clearing the entrance tests. We are working to change this scenario.”
This initiative extends beyond single-state efforts. As reported by industry sources, the government plans to train approximately 5,000 cyber commandos over five years. Home Minister Amit Shah emphasized cybersecurity as a key component of national defines.
What Business Leaders Should Know
The cyber commando program represents a proactive approach to digital security. Unlike conventional cybercrime cells that respond after attacks, these specialists work to prevent cyber threats before they occur.
According to reports from IIT Madras, similar programs are expanding across India. The inaugural batch completed training at IIT Madras Parvata Technologies Foundation in April 2025, with 37 officers receiving specialized cybersecurity expertise.
This comprehensive training approach provides law enforcement with tools to combat modern digital threats. For businesses, this means stronger protection against sophisticated AI-driven cyberattacks that could disrupt operations or compromise sensitive data.
The government’s investment in cyber defence capabilities signals recognition of cybersecurity as critical infrastructure. As digital transactions and AI adoption increase across Indian businesses, these trained specialists will serve as crucial assets in maintaining digital trust and security.
