SAMBHAV Secures Military Communications
India has made leap in defence technology with the deployment of SAMBHAV, its first fully indigenous secure mobile communication system. This development was prominently showcased during Operation Sindoor in 2025. The Indian Army used SAMBHAV-enabled smartphones instead of foreign apps, ensuring secure and encrypted communication free from external surveillance. This marks a milestone in India’s journey towards technological sovereignty and digital security in defence.
Operation Sindoor
Operation Sindoor was a critical military operation where the Indian Army relied solely on the SAMBHAV ecosystem. The Army Chief, General Upendra Dwivedi, confirmed that foreign communication apps like WhatsApp were completely replaced by the homegrown M-Sigma app running on SAMBHAV devices. This ensured that sensitive command and control messages remained confidential and immune to hacking or interception. The operation demonstrated the effectiveness of combining strategic planning with robust indigenous technology.
What is SAMBHAV?
- Launched in 2023, SAMBHAV is India’s first secure mobile communication platform designed specifically for defence use.
- It operates independently of commercial networks and supports real-time connectivity through 5G-enabled devices.
- The system uses multi-layer encryption to prevent hostile surveillance or cyber-attacks.
- Its core application, M-Sigma, offers encrypted messaging, file sharing, and multimedia exchange.
- SAMBHAV is network-agnostic, meaning it works securely across different communication infrastructures without compromising data integrity.
Development
SAMBHAV was developed through collaboration between Indian academic institutions and domestic technology firms. This partnership reflects the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, promoting self-reliance in critical defence technologies. The platform integrates advanced encryption algorithms and resilient network architecture. By early 2024, around 30,000 SAMBHAV devices were distributed among Army officers, enabling secure communication on borders and during diplomatic engagements.
Impact
Beyond battlefield use, SAMBHAV has been deployed in high-level military talks, including recent discussions with China. This marks the system’s role in securing not only combat operations but also sensitive diplomatic communications. The platform’s continuous upgrades aim to keep pace with evolving cyber threats, making it a future-proof tool in India’s defence arsenal.
Significance
SAMBHAV signifies a shift from dependence on foreign communication platforms to indigenous solutions in national security. It embodies the integration of technology and military strategy in hybrid warfare. By securing communication lines, SAMBHAV enhances operational readiness and protects India’s defence secrets. This innovation sends a clear message about India’s commitment to digital sovereignty and the Make in India defence vision.
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