Cybersecurity and Digital Infrastructure Concerning the Securitization and Exclusion of Rohingya refugees in South Asia: A case study of India

Principle Investigator：Monika Verma

This study explores the intersection of cybersecurity, digital infrastructure, and the securitization of Rohingya refugees in South Asia, focusing on India as a case study. In recent years, the proliferation of digital technologies and data-driven governance has reshaped state responses to migration and refugee management. While these tools promise efficiency and improved security, they also create mechanisms for exclusion and discrimination. This research examines how India’s digital infrastructure—ranging from biometric systems like Aadhaar to surveillance networks—has been deployed to monitor, control, and securitize the Rohingya refugee population.

Drawing on critical security studies and digital governance frameworks, the project analyzes policies and practices that frame Rohingya refugees as threats to national security. It highlights how cybersecurity concerns are intertwined with xenophobia, creating an environment of digital exclusion that denies refugees access to essential rights and services. The study also investigates the broader implications for human rights, data privacy, and international refugee protections in the age of digital governance. By situating India’s approach within regional and global trends, this research aims to contribute to ongoing debates on the ethical and political dimensions of digital securitization and its impact on marginalized populations.