India is taking a significant step towards enhancing its digital security and self-reliance by mandating the use of Indian Standard Time (IST) across all legal, commercial, digital, and administrative activities. The government has directed banks, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), and other critical infrastructure entities to discontinue the use of alternative time systems, such as GPS, in favor of IST. This move aims to safeguard the nation against cybersecurity threats like spoofing and jamming, ensuring the accuracy and integrity of time-sensitive operations.
The Department of Consumer Affairs is finalizing the Legal Metrology (Indian Standard Time) Rules, 2025, which will legally enforce the use of IST as the official time reference for India. These rules will prohibit the use of any other time references unless explicitly authorized, marking a major shift in how time is synchronized and utilized across various sectors. The initiative is a collaborative effort involving the Department of Consumer Affairs, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), and the National Physical Laboratory (NPL).
Currently, India relies on external sources like GPS for time dissemination. The new framework seeks to "Indianize" the entire timekeeping ecosystem. The Time Dissemination Project, spearheaded by CSIR-NPL and ISRO, includes the establishment of Regional Reference Standard Laboratories (RRSLs) equipped with atomic clocks to ensure IST delivery with millisecond to microsecond accuracy. This network of atomic clocks, strategically located across the country, will provide a resilient and accurate time source, reducing dependence on foreign satellite systems.
The mandatory adoption of IST will have far-reaching implications. Digital transactions will become more secure, billing processes in utilities will be more accurate, and the risk of cybercrime will be significantly reduced. Synchronized timekeeping will also improve the efficiency of transportation and communication networks. For instance, precise time synchronization is crucial for coordinating railway operations, managing air traffic control, and ensuring seamless communication across telecom networks.
During the Kargil War and the Mumbai terror attacks, India faced instances where GPS signals were denied or exploited, highlighting the vulnerabilities of relying on foreign systems. By transitioning to IST, India aims to mitigate these risks and establish a sovereign timekeeping infrastructure. This will provide strategic advantages, particularly for the armed forces and critical infrastructure, ensuring reliable time synchronization even in challenging circumstances.
The transition to mandatory IST requires careful coordination and collaboration across various sectors. The government has been engaging with stakeholders through round table conferences and consultations to address concerns and ensure a smooth implementation process. Over 100 representatives from telecom, financial services, railways, and other sectors have participated in these discussions. As India moves closer to making IST a reality, the nation is set to have its "own time," enhancing security, accuracy, and self-reliance in the digital age.
