Pune: With the objective of developing a robust talent pipeline for India’s rapidly evolving automotive cybersecurity sector, the Central Institute of Road Transport (CIRT), AutoSifu Pvt. Ltd., and JagMangal Social Foundation jointly organized the **”Automotive Cybersecurity Principals Meet 2026 – Leadership and Institutional Engagement Meet on Automotive Cybersecurity Talent Development Ecosystem.” The initiative was inaugurated virtually by Shri Nitin Gadkari, Hon’ble Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Government of India.
Addressing the gathering, Shri Nitin Gadkari emphasized that the increasing integration of software, artificial intelligence (AI), connected technologies, and digital systems into modern vehicles has made automotive cybersecurity a critical pillar of safe and reliable mobility. He stated that cybersecurity is no longer limited to protecting vehicles alone; it is intrinsically linked to road safety, public safety, national security, and consumer confidence. He stressed the need for stronger collaboration among government, academia, industry, and research institutions to build a resilient automotive cybersecurity ecosystem for India.
The event was attended by Dr. Devendra Singh, Director, Central Institute of Road Transport (CIRT); Mr. Farukh Makhdoom, Head – MDC & Automotive Cybersecurity, CIRT; Ms. Priya Gujarathi, Founder Director, JagMangal Social Foundation; Dr. Shahaji Solunkhe (IPS Retd.), Former Special Inspector General of Police; Mr. Jagannath Tiwari, Director & Co-founder, AutoSifu Pvt. Ltd.; Mr. Vikram Pagare, Head – Operations, AutoSifu Pvt. Ltd.; Vidyavachaspati Vidyanand Prof. Dr. Shailesh Kulkarni, Advisor – Education, JagMangal Social Foundation; Mr. Rahul Sultane, Managing Director, Saaketh Electro Circuits Pvt. Ltd.; Mr. Milind Pagare, Vice President – Research & Development, Bajaj Auto Ltd.; Mr. Lokesh Kumar, Expert – Technical Training & Industrial Applications, Škoda Volkswagen Group; Mr. Mahesh Shahapure, Senior Vice President – R&D, Knorr-Bremse Systems for Commercial Vehicles; Mr. Arun Bisht, Senior Vice President – Sales & Marketing; Mr. Philip John, Divisional Manager, Ashok Leyland; along with Dr. Sandeep Dharwadkar, Dr. Mohan Vaman, Dr. Ashish Panat, Dr. Santosh Sonawane, Dr. Sandeep Pachpande, Dr. Kirti Dharwadkar, and several distinguished representatives from academia, research organizations, and the automotive industry.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Devendra Singh, Director, CIRT, stated that the Automotive Cybersecurity Talent Development Ecosystem is a strategic initiative for the future of mobility. Its primary objective is to develop industry-ready, highly skilled professionals capable of addressing emerging technological challenges. He noted that strong collaboration between industry, educational institutions, and research organizations will position India as a global leader in automotive cybersecurity.
Mr. Farukh Makhdoom highlighted that, in alignment with global regulations, the Government of India has introduced Cyber Security Management System (CSMS)and Software Update Management System (SUMS) frameworks for vehicles. These regulatory measures will significantly strengthen cybersecurity standards across the automotive sector and ensure greater safety for connected and software-defined vehicles.
Mr. Tejas Gujarathi, representing JagMangal Social Foundation, announced that from 15th September to 25th September, the organizations will conduct **India’s first large-scale Automotive Cybersecurity Awareness Campaign for 50,000 BCA, MCA, and Engineering students. The campaign aims to introduce students to software-defined vehicles, cybersecurity threats, emerging technologies, industry expectations, and career opportunities in automotive cybersecurity.
Representatives from CIRT explained that modern vehicles have evolved from purely mechanical machines into software-driven connected digital platformsAs a result, there is an unprecedented demand for skilled automotive cybersecurity professionals across vehicle manufacturers, suppliers, and mobility technology companies.
To address this growing need, the partners have developed the Automotive Cybersecurity Talent Development Ecosystem (ACTDE) More than a training programme, ACTDE is envisioned as a long-term collaborative ecosystem connecting industry, educational institutions, and technology experts. Through advanced laboratories, vehicle security testing, industry projects, hands-on learning, and experiential training, the initiative seeks to prepare a globally competitive workforce for the automotive cybersecurity sector.
The event concluded with a strong message that **”the future of mobility will not be defined merely by electric or connected vehicles, but by vehicles that are secure, trusted, and cyber-resilient.”**
The initiative is expected to create significant career opportunities for Indian students in the global automotive cybersecurity domain while strengthening India’s journey towards building safer, smarter, and more secure mobility technologies.