India-China war using gadgets

In recent years, escalating geopolitical tensions between India and China have spilt over into the technological domain, raising concerns about the possibility of attacks through gadgets, particularly through devices like CCTV cameras, drones and other connected systems. India is alarmed by Chinese espionage, focusing on stringent new regulations requiring CCTV manufacturers to submit hardware, software and source code for government lab assessments.

This move, driven by fears of Chinese surveillance capabilities, underscores a broader question: How feasible is it for China and India to weaponise tech devices against each other and how robust are their respective defences against such threats? 

Feasibility of attacks using gadgets

China’s capabilities for tech-based attacks

China’s technological prowess, particularly in cyber warfare and surveillance, positions it as a formidable player in potential tech-based attacks. The country has developed sophisticated tools for cyber espionage, data interception and system disruption, often embedded in widely used gadgets.

Surveillance devices as attack vectors

Chinese companies like Hikvision, Dahua and Xiaomi dominate the global CCTV market, with Hikvision alone holding a 36% share of the global video surveillance market in 2024. These devices, often internet-connected, could theoretically be exploited to collect sensitive data or serve as backdoors for cyberattacks.

India is concerned that Chinese-made CCTV systems could be used for espionage, citing their ability to transmit data to unauthorised servers. For instance, a 2023 report by the US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) flagged vulnerabilities in Hikvision cameras, including remote code execution flaws that could allow attackers to take control of devices.

Cyber warfare expertise

China’s cyber capabilities are among the most advanced globally. The US Defense Intelligence Agency’s 2025 report identifies China as India’s primary adversary, citing its ability to launch cyberattacks capable of disrupting critical infrastructure. A 2021 statement by India’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Bipin Rawat, acknowledged China’s superiority in cyber warfare, noting its potential to “disrupt a large number of systems”. China’s state-backed hacking groups, such as APT41, have been linked to attacks on government and private networks worldwide, including in India. 

These groups could exploit IoT devices, including CCTV systems, smart grids or even consumer electronics, to launch distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks or steal sensitive data.

Drones and satellite systems

China’s advancements in drone technology (for example, DJI’s 70% share of the global consumer drone market in 2024) and satellite systems like BeiDou provide additional attack vectors. China’s efforts to recalibrate its drone and satellite systems to counter Indian algorithms indicate towards the possibility of an active technological arms race. 

Drones could be used for reconnaissance or even kinetic attacks while satellites could facilitate signal jamming or intelligence gathering.

India’s capabilities for tech-based attacks

India, while not as advanced as China in cyber warfare, has made significant strides in developing offensive cyber capabilities and leveraging technology for strategic purposes.

Cyber offensive potential

India’s National Cyber Security Policy (2013, updated 2023) emphasises building offensive cyber capabilities to counter threats. The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) and the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) have developed tools for cyber reconnaissance and targeted attacks.

For instance, India’s 2019 Balakot airstrike demonstrated integration of cyber and physical operations, with reports suggesting cyberattacks disrupted Pakistani communication networks during the operation. India could potentially target Chinese tech devices, such as power inverters or IoT systems, which are prevalent in critical infrastructure.

AI and satellite integration

India’s advancements in AI and combat satellite technology enhance its offensive potential. The Deccan Herald reported in 2025 that Indian think tanks claimed China provided satellite and radar support to Pakistan, highlighting India’s focus on countering such technologies. India’s space agency, ISRO, operates over 50 satellites, including the GSAT series, which support military communications and reconnaissance.

India’s “combat satellite plus AI fusion” did catch China off-guard, indicating potential for tech-driven attacks like signal interference or data manipulation.

Domestic tech ecosystem

India’s push for indigenous technology, spurred by initiatives like Make in India, aims to reduce reliance on foreign devices. However, its offensive capabilities through tech devices are limited compared to China due to a smaller domestic manufacturing base and less pervasive global tech presence.

Feasibility assessment

China: Highly feasible. China’s dominance in global tech supply chains, advanced cyber warfare capabilities and extensive use of IoT devices provide multiple avenues for attacks. CCTV systems, drones and satellite networks could be weaponised for espionage, data theft or infrastructure disruption.

India: Moderately feasible. India’s growing cyber and AI capabilities enable targeted attacks, but its reliance on foreign tech and less mature cyber infrastructure limit its ability to match China’s scale and sophistication.

Defensive capabilities against tech-based attacks

India’s defensive posture

India’s response to perceived Chinese tech threats reflects a proactive but challenged defensive strategy.

Regulatory measures

India’s new security rules, effective April 2025, call for CCTV manufacturers like Hikvision and Dahua to submit hardware and software for government lab testing. This follows earlier restrictions on Chinese tech, such as the 2020 ban on 59 Chinese apps (for example, TikTok) and tightened scrutiny after the 2024 Lebanon pager blasts, which heightened fears of compromised devices.

These measures aim to mitigate risks of espionage via IoT devices but have sparked industry warnings of supply chain disruptions.

Cybersecurity infrastructure

India’s CERT-In reported handling over 1.4 million cyber incidents in 2024, reflecting growing expertise in threat detection and response. The National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre (NCIIPC) focuses on securing critical sectors like energy and defense. However, India’s cybersecurity spending ($2.8 billion in 2024, per IDC) lags behind China’s ($22 billion), limiting its ability to counter sophisticated attacks.

Experts warn of India’s vulnerability to Chinese-style surveillance capitalism due to weak data protection laws.

Coastal and regional surveillance

India has bolstered its coastal surveillance with radar systems in Bangladesh, Mauritius and Sri Lanka to monitor Chinese naval activity in the Indian Ocean. These systems enhance early warning capabilities but are primarily defensive, not designed to counter cyber threats embedded in consumer devices.

China’s defensive posture

China’s authoritarian control over its tech ecosystem and massive cybersecurity investments provide a robust defense against tech-based attacks.

Great firewall and domestic control

China’s Great Firewall and strict internet controls limit foreign access to its networks, reducing vulnerabilities to external cyberattacks. The Cybersecurity Law (2017, updated 2024) mandates rigorous security assessments for all tech devices sold domestically, Mirroring India’s new rules but with greater enforcement capacity.

China’s dominance in its domestic tech market (for example, 90% of CCTV systems are locally produced) minimises reliance on foreign devices that could be compromised.

Cyber defence capabilities

China’s Ministry of State Security and People’s Liberation Army (PLA) operate advanced cyber defense units, with an estimated 100,000 cyber personnel (CSIS, 2024). The country’s AI-driven threat detection systems, deployed across its smart cities, can identify and neutralise attacks in real time.

China’s BeiDou satellite system, with 45 active satellites in 2025, provides secure communications, reducing dependence on vulnerable foreign systems like GPS.

Supply chain security

China’s near-complete control over its tech supply chain, including chips and IoT devices, limits exposure to foreign sabotage. For instance, power inverters, a critical component in renewable energy systems, are predominantly Chinese-made, reducing risks of external tampering.

Defensive assessment

India: Moderately robust. India’s regulatory crackdowns and growing cybersecurity infrastructure provide some protection, but limited funding, reliance on foreign tech and weak data privacy laws create vulnerabilities.

China: Highly robust. China’s centralised control, massive cybersecurity investments and self-reliant tech ecosystem make it exceptionally difficult to penetrate via tech-based attacks.

Strategic implications and challenges

For China

China’s offensive capabilities give it an edge in tech-based warfare, particularly through pervasive devices like CCTV cameras and drones. However, its aggressive tech exports risk alienating markets like India, where regulatory pushback is disrupting supply chains. Defensively, China’s fortress-like cybersecurity infrastructure is a strength, but its global tech dominance makes it a target for retaliatory measures, such as India’s restrictions or US sanctions.

For India

India’s defensive measures, while proactive, face challenges due to its dependence on Chinese tech components (for example, 70% of India’s electronics imports come from China, per CEIC Data). Scaling up indigenous manufacturing and cybersecurity funding is critical to reducing vulnerabilities. Offensively, India’s growing AI and satellite capabilities offer potential, but matching China’s scale requires significant investment and international partnerships.

Geopolitical context

The India-China tech rivalry is part of a broader strategic competition. The US DIA’s 2025 report identifies China as India’s primary threat, while India’s coastal surveillance networks aim to counter Chinese naval expansion. Both nations are investing in AI, quantum computing and 5G to gain a technological edge, but China’s head start in these domains gives it a strategic advantage.

The feasibility of China and India attacking each other through tech devices is high for China and moderate for India, reflecting their respective technological capabilities. China’s dominance in cyber warfare and IoT devices makes it a potent threat, capable of exploiting surveillance systems, drones or satellites for espionage or disruption. India, while advancing in AI and cyber operations, is constrained by its tech import reliance and less mature infrastructure. Defensively, China’s centralised control and massive investments create a near-impenetrable shield, while India’s regulStory efforts and cybersecurity measures, though improving, remain vulnerable to sophisticated attacks.

To level the playing field, India must accelerate indigenous tech development, strengthen data protection laws and deepen international cybersecurity partnerships. China, meanwhile, must navigate the global backlash against its tech exports to maintain its strategic advantage. As the tech arms race intensifies, both nations’ ability to balance offensive innovation with robust defence will shape the future of their rivalry.