India explores access to Anthropic’s Mythos AI amid security and policy concerns

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India weighs AI access and security risks in talks over Anthropic’s Mythos model

Amid rising focus on advanced artificial intelligence systems, India is working to secure access to Anthropic’s Mythos AI model through ongoing discussions with the US administration. The move reflects a broader effort to balance technological access with national security considerations.

According to a report by a publication, the government is exploring “mechanisms” and handling “logistics” to enable domestic companies to use the model. Officials have emphasised that access must be “equitable” while ensuring that critical infrastructure remains protected.

Talks are taking place at multiple levels, including with US authorities and Anthropic representatives at the company’s headquarters. The issue gained visibility after Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman highlighted the matter at a recent industry event.

“They are engaging with the US administration, Anthropic and with the vendors who have been given a chance to test (Mythos),” Sitharaman said. She also warned that “the cyber challenge we have because of the Mythos, is going to be a big one.”

The government has already held discussions with banks, cyber agencies, and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to assess risks and preparedness. As part of precautionary steps, agencies such as CERT-In and NCIIPC, along with financial sector participants, have been asked to strengthen safeguards for systems including power grids, telecom networks, and banking channels.

Officials are also considering a wider policy framework for future AI launches. “Currently, Anthropic has held off the wider release, but tomorrow more companies can launch such models,” an official said. “They may release them without advance notice. The government needs to build its capacity as of yesterday.”

Mythos, described as Anthropic’s latest AI model, is designed to identify and exploit zero-day software vulnerabilities at high speed. Early testing under Project Glasswing involved 40 companies, mostly based in the US, with no Indian participation.

Test results suggest the model can detect tens of thousands of vulnerabilities, compared to around 500 identified by the earlier Opus 4.6 model.

The development highlights both the potential and risks of next-generation AI systems, as India looks to strengthen its digital capabilities while managing cybersecurity challenges.

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