Jaishankar Signs UN Cybercrime Convention, Strengthens Global Digital Security

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar formally signed the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime on Friday, marking India’s commitment to the world’s first comprehensive treaty on combating online crime.

“This Convention strengthens international cooperation for a safer digital future,” Jaishankar said in a post on X after the signing ceremony held on the sidelines of the 81st UN General Assembly in New York.

Adopted by the UN General Assembly in 2024, the treaty entered into force last year after crossing the threshold of 40 member‑state signatures. By the end of 2025, 93 countries had signed on.

The convention provides a global framework to prevent and combat cybercrime, including mechanisms for sharing electronic evidence across borders, recovering proceeds of cybercrime, and adapting traditional investigation methods to modern information technologies.

It also addresses the challenge of cybercriminals operating beyond national jurisdictions, while law enforcement agencies remain bound by domestic legal limits. India’s signature signals intent to ratify the treaty, which will then become binding under domestic law.