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The Indian automobile industry is on the verge of a revolution, as the country is about to introduce its first mandatory cybersecurity regulation for vehicles, termed AIS 189. With the introduction of new and advanced connectivity features and software, the need for cybersecurity is no longer an additional feature, but a necessity that is required to be met. The introduction of this new regulation is expected to change the face of the Indian automobile industry, especially regarding the launch and testing of new vehicles.

 

 

The new regulation, termed AIS 189, is based on international regulations such as the UN R155 cybersecurity regulation for vehicles. With this new regulation, the country is planning to place itself at par with other automobile markets that have already started implementing this regulation. For instance, the European Union introduced this regulation, termed R155, in 2022, and China followed this trend in 2024. The Indian government is expected to introduce this regulation for new vehicle models starting October 2027, while the entire regulation is expected to be enforced by 2028. With this new regulation, cybersecurity approval is expected to become a mandatory requirement for the launch of any new vehicle in the Indian market. This would ensure that Indian automobile manufacturers are able to compete with other manufacturers, especially those countries that accept UNECE regulations.

 

The underlying principle of AIS 189 is a complete cybersecurity management system. The new regulation is expected to cover all aspects of cybersecurity, including risk assessment, threat detection, and response. In addition to this, the manufacturers will also need to incorporate software update management solutions. This will ensure the secure provision of over-the-air updates, as well as safe software updates in the workshops. The implementation of these solutions will, in turn, encourage manufacturers to adopt the lifecycle approach to cybersecurity. This means cybersecurity will no longer be a one-time affair in the manufacturing process but will need to be monitored regularly.

 

In the near future, the implementation of AIS 189 will likely lead to an increase in the costs of compliance for automotive manufacturers as well as suppliers. This will include the high costs of implementing advanced cybersecurity solutions. However, the implementation of AIS 189 will also provide new opportunities in the automotive industry. This is because the automotive cybersecurity services market is expected to grow, creating a new segment in the industry. More importantly, the improved cybersecurity will encourage consumer confidence in connected cars, which is an emerging segment in the Indian automotive industry.

 

Manufacturers who are early movers in the implementation of cybersecurity solutions will gain a competitive advantage in the automotive industry. In addition to the benefits in the Indian market, manufacturers will be able to penetrate the global market, which has similar requirements. The implementation of AIS 189 is not just an update in the regulatory environment but a pointer to the changing landscape in the automotive industry. This is from a mechanical engineering focus to one in which software security will become a dominant feature in the future. Manufacturers who are able to adapt to the changing environment will be able to thrive in the new landscape.