India’s security and aviation agencies are closely monitoring a potential rise in GPS spoofing incidents across the country, with particular attention to events near the nation’s major airports. Senior officials confirmed that the surge in reports, including a recent incident near Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, has prompted coordinated investigations involving multiple government bodies.

“The civil aviation ministry is studying the patterns and maintaining detailed data of GPS spoofing incidents nationwide,” said an official familiar with the matter, speaking on condition of anonymity. Multiple sources added that the recent incident near Delhi is being directly monitored by National Security Adviser Ajit Doval.

GPS spoofing is a sophisticated technique whereby false satellite signals are transmitted to a navigation system, causing it to display incorrect position, speed, or time data. Unlike GPS jamming, which simply overwhelms signals on the satellite frequency, spoofing feeds aircraft, ships, or vehicles with false but seemingly credible navigation information. This can mislead pilots or operators about their actual location or trajectory, creating serious risks for safety, especially in air traffic management.

Officials said the government’s response has been multi-layered, involving coordination between the civil aviation ministry, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, the National Cybersecurity Coordinator, and the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In). A high-level meeting convened by the NSA, including representatives from all these agencies, was held to assess the scope of the threat and strategize preventive measures.

“This kind of GPS spoofing has been observed in other countries, but India is taking it seriously due to the potential implications for aviation safety,” said a senior IT ministry official. Airline crews are trained to respond to such incidents, but the authorities emphasized that systematic monitoring and reporting are critical to understanding and mitigating the risk.

Recent reports suggest that GPS spoofing is no longer an isolated phenomenon. Airlines have documented similar incidents near Amritsar, which has historically experienced GPS interference due to its proximity to international borders. Between November 2023 and February 2024, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) reported 465 incidents of GPS disruption across various locations, with the highest frequency observed near border regions such as Amritsar and Jammu. The DGCA had issued circulars directing airlines to promptly report any cases of interference to ensure timely investigation and risk assessment.

In response to the rising concerns, Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) have been issued for areas prone to GPS disruptions. Aviation officials stated that these measures are intended to enhance situational awareness among pilots and airline operators, allowing them to rely on alternate navigation protocols if GPS anomalies occur.

Experts have highlighted that GPS spoofing incidents, while rare, can have far-reaching consequences. In the aviation context, erroneous positioning data could lead to route deviations, altitude miscalculations, or collisions if not quickly detected. Outside aviation, GPS spoofing can impact maritime navigation, transportation logistics, and even critical infrastructure dependent on accurate timing and positioning information.

The civil aviation ministry is reportedly developing a national database to track all reported GPS anomalies. This database would enable authorities to identify patterns, analyze possible sources of interference, and implement countermeasures. Some sources indicated that the government is also exploring technological solutions, including enhanced encryption and authentication mechanisms for GPS signals, to mitigate future risks.

Security analysts pointed out that while accidental interference is possible, deliberate spoofing cannot be ruled out. Given the strategic significance of air and border infrastructure, authorities are treating these incidents with urgency. Measures being considered include expanded monitoring at airports, enhanced cybersecurity protocols for navigation systems, and inter-agency intelligence sharing to detect and prevent malicious activity.

Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Murlidhar Mohol, informed Parliament earlier this year about the frequency of GPS-related flight disruptions in the border regions. He noted that these incidents, while not directly causing accidents, pose operational challenges and potential hazards to civil aviation. The government has since prioritized investigations and preventive strategies to ensure aviation safety is not compromised.

The recent incidents have highlighted the growing intersection of technology, security, and aviation safety. As reliance on satellite navigation systems increases, governments worldwide are grappling with the challenges posed by GPS spoofing and similar attacks. India’s proactive monitoring and investigation of such incidents aim to ensure that its aviation network remains safe, reliable, and resilient against emerging technological threats.

Officials reiterated that collaboration across ministries and agencies is critical. “All concerned departments are coordinating closely to investigate the matter and implement countermeasures,” said a senior official. While the incidents reported so far have been localized, authorities are treating the situation as part of a larger national security concern.

With the advent of advanced navigation technologies and increasing global connectivity, GPS spoofing represents a modern threat that blends cybersecurity and physical safety risks. India’s response, officials suggest, reflects the need for vigilance, rapid reporting, and technological upgrades to maintain the integrity of navigation-dependent systems across sectors.

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