India seeks stronger cyber ties with Baltic states

India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has been invited to visit Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia this year. The focus of these discussions will be on enhancing cyber cooperation. India is keen to strengthen its cyber defenses, especially due to challenges from cyber threats posed by China. Lithuania has already started collaborating with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to launch nano-satellites. This partnership aims to improve both countries' capabilities in space technology. There are also plans for various high-tech projects between India and the Baltic states. One major initiative in India is the upcoming Aadhar2 project. This large biometric system aims to eliminate duplicate identities, which is essential for managing government subsidies effectively. Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) is overseeing this project, and it involves discussions with firms from France, Japan, and Lithuania. Additionally, there are talks between Lithuanian companies and India's Adani Group regarding solar cells. These cells are more efficient than others and can generate power even in cloudy conditions, although they may come at a higher cost initially. The discussions also include potential projects on advanced access control systems for the Tirumala temple and smart water meters for Ayodhya's new colonies. These technologies could significantly improve the lives of many people. Lastly, Lithuanian technology is being considered for tracking garbage trucks in Bangalore. This project may not be glamorous, but it is crucial for effective waste management and ensures that the equipment used does not contain Chinese parts.