Indian and US tech specialists collaborate on critical infrastructure AI in a server room.
The Indian government is actively engaging with the United States and AI firm Anthropic to establish a framework that would allow Indian companies to access Anthropic’s powerful AI model, Claude Mythos. This initiative is aimed at bolstering the cybersecurity resilience of the nation’s critical digital infrastructure, including power grids, telecommunications networks, and the banking sector.
According to a senior official cited in reports, the Centre is exploring mechanisms and logistical arrangements to ensure equitable access to the AI model for domestic companies. The urgency stems from the potential risks associated with advanced AI models that can identify and exploit software vulnerabilities, as highlighted by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.
Sitharaman has previously stated that the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) is in dialogue with the US administration and Anthropic. The Finance Minister emphasized the significant cybersecurity challenges posed by such AI capabilities, noting that the government needs to enhance its capacity to manage these risks promptly.
In parallel, a high-level meeting was convened, co-chaired by the Finance Minister and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, to assess the impact of Claude Mythos on India’s financial and digital infrastructure. Key stakeholders, including representatives from banks, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), MeitY, the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), and the Department of Financial Services, participated in the deliberations.
During the meeting, the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) was tasked with developing a coordinated response mechanism for threats linked to the AI model. Banks were also instructed to fortify their cybersecurity systems by engaging specialized agencies and experts, and to report any suspicious cyber incidents immediately to agencies like the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In). Furthermore, CERT-In, the National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre (NCIIPC), and the financial sector were directed to strengthen the security of critical national infrastructure.
Anthropic has reportedly restricted access to Claude Mythos, which was launched in April and is designed for advanced coding and cybersecurity tasks, including identifying long-standing software flaws. The company is understood to be in separate discussions with Indian authorities. Industry body Nasscom has also reached out to Anthropic, seeking access for Indian technology firms under ‘Project Glasswing’ to enhance cybersecurity resilience.
The potential for misuse of Claude Mythos has raised concerns among governments globally, given its capacity to uncover vulnerabilities that could be exploited in critical sectors. Consequently, many nations are tightening access controls, viewing the model as both a vital cybersecurity tool and a potential national security concern.
About the Author
