Digital Cold Wars: India versus USA?
It sounds a bit like David and Goliath, but the Indian Military Intelligence Service is alleged to be hacking into the emails of an official US commission focused on issues of cyber-security.
The Times of India reports that Indian military intelligence documents have been posted on the Internet which discuss plans to target the US-China Economic and Security Review Commission. The document alleges this is to be done using technical back-door hacks provided by mobile phone manufacturers RIM, Nokia and Apple.
Apple were quick to deny any involvement while RIM and Nokia both declined to comment. The Indian Government in New Delhi also declined to comment officially on the material. However, the American's were more forthcoming and acknowledged that the FBI has started an investigation into the phone hacking claims.
The commission was set up by the US Congress 12 years ago to investigate the security implications of changing Sino-American relationships. it takes a strong interest in issues of security and defence, energy consumption, international trade, and information policy.
If the allegations are true, it would seem that India is afraid that America and China are making secret agreements over the future of Asia which might sideline New Dehli. These fears first emerged two years ago when on a visit to Beijing, President Obama suggested that China should play a more proactive role in regional stability.
