More than 300 security professionals from across India and South Asia gathered at the JW Marriott, Aerocity, New Delhi, on 2 July 2026 for the India & South Asia Outstanding Security Performance Awards (OSPAs) 2026, held alongside the ASIS South Asia Conference. The prestigious awards recognised outstanding achievements, innovation and leadership across the security profession, highlighting organisations and individuals setting new benchmarks in resilience, technology, operational excellence and people development.
The evening celebrated the growing maturity of the security industry, with winners representing diverse sectors including corporate security, critical infrastructure, cybersecurity, consulting, manufacturing and technology.
2026 India & South Asia OSPA Winners
| Outstanding In-House Security Manager/ Director Winner: Samir Ghaghda – Diageo India |
| Outstanding Security Team Winner: Physical Security Technical Team – Infosys |
| Outstanding Contract Security Company (Guarding) Winner: Peregrine Guarding |
| Outstanding Security Consultant Winner: PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) India |
| Outstanding Security Training Initiative Winner: COM-SUR Video Surveillance and Imaging AI Technologies |
| Outstanding Security Installer/ Integrator Winner: Soteria Command Center – Tenon Group |
| Outstanding New Security Product Winner: DHEERAJ – Deepfake Handling Engine for Expert Recognition and Authentication of Judgements |
| Outstanding Security Partnership Winner: DigiCert, Digio & JNR Management Resources |
| Outstanding Security Officer Winner: Ankit Jaswal – Tata Power |
| Outstanding Female Security Professional Winner: Niharika Karamchandani – InQuest Advisories |
| Outstanding Young Security Professional Winner: Praveen Raj – WoRisGo |
| Outstanding Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Initiative Winner: Vedanta Limited |
| Outstanding Security Sustainability Award Winner: Vedanta Aluminium & Power |
| Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient: Milind M. Borkar |
Recognising Outstanding Achievement
Samir Ghaghda – Diageo India
Winner of the Outstanding In-House Security Manager/ Director award, Samir Ghaghda has elevated Corporate Security and Business Continuity into a strategic, intelligence-led business function. His leadership during critical incidents, including Operation Sindoor and the RCB stadium stampede, demonstrated exceptional crisis management, while his focus on innovation and resilience has positioned security as a key business enabler.
Infosys
Infosys’ award-winning Physical Security Technical Team has transformed enterprise security through an innovative in-house programme that significantly improved threat detection, accelerated response times and reduced false alarms. Their engineering-led approach has also delivered measurable operational efficiencies and cost savings.
Peregrine Guarding
Recognised as the Outstanding Contract Security Company, Peregrine Guarding continues to strengthen its reputation through technology-enabled guarding services, a centralised command centre and a highly trained workforce operating across India and Singapore. Its expertise in securing critical infrastructure and major airports reflects its commitment to operational excellence.
PwC India
PwC India received the Outstanding Security Consultant award for delivering integrated physical, cyber and operational security solutions across critical infrastructure, smart cities and command centre programmes. Its use of responsible AI and strategic consulting continues to help organisations build resilient, future-ready security frameworks.
COM-SUR Video Surveillance and Imaging AI Technologies
COM-SUR was recognised for revolutionising CCTV evidence management through AI-powered surveillance analysis. The platform has dramatically reduced video review times and earned national recognition through the Government of India’s introduction of a dedicated CCTV Video Footage Auditor skill, supporting the development of security capability across multiple sectors.
Soteria Command Center – Tenon Group
Soteria’s intelligent command centre platform earned recognition for redefining security integration through advanced monitoring, automation and operational efficiency. The solution has delivered faster incident response, reduced downtime and improved compliance while generating substantial savings for clients.
DHEERAJ – Deepfake Handling Engine
As deepfake threats continue to evolve, DHEERAJ has emerged as an innovative defence solution capable of preventing fraud, accelerating authentication and strengthening digital investigations. Its growing adoption demonstrates the increasing importance of AI-driven security technologies.
DigiCert, Digio & JNR Management Resources
The Outstanding Security Partnership award recognised this collaboration for advancing digital trust through cybersecurity, public key infrastructure (PKI), compliance automation and certificate lifecycle management, helping organisations improve resilience and reduce cyber risk.
Ankit Jaswal – Tata Power
Awarded Outstanding Security Officer, Ankit Jaswal has demonstrated exceptional operational leadership by introducing initiatives such as drone surveillance, workforce optimisation and stakeholder collaboration, delivering stronger security operations without disrupting business continuity.
Niharika Karamchandani – InQuest Advisories
Winner of the Outstanding Female Security Professional award, Niharika Karamchandani has built an impressive international career spanning investigations, behavioural risk, due diligence and crisis management. Her work in consultancy, research and professional development continues to raise standards across the security industry.
Praveen Raj – WoRisGo
Recognised as Outstanding Young Security Professional, Praveen Raj has quickly established himself as an emerging leader in supply chain security, geopolitical intelligence and critical infrastructure protection. His contributions to industry and national education initiatives highlight the next generation of security leadership.
Vedanta Limited
Vedanta Limited received the Equality, Diversity & Inclusion award for creating a more inclusive workplace through diverse recruitment, accessibility and equal opportunity initiatives. Its people-first approach demonstrates how inclusion can strengthen organisational culture and business performance.
Vedanta Aluminium & Power
The Security Sustainability Award recognised Vedanta Aluminium & Power for integrating sustainability into security operations through clean mobility, water conservation, waste management and environmental initiatives that benefit both business and surrounding communities.
Milind M. Borkar
The Lifetime Achievement Award honoured Milind M. Borkar for his exceptional contribution to India’s electronic security and video surveillance industry. Over several decades, his visionary leadership has helped shape the evolution of surveillance technologies across smart cities, transportation, manufacturing and public infrastructure. Widely respected as a mentor and industry pioneer, his influence continues to inspire future generations of security professionals.
Looking Ahead
All category winners, with the exception of the Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, automatically qualify for the Global OSPAs, where they will represent India and South Asia alongside winners from around the world. Milind M. Borkar has also been inducted into the Security Hall of Fame in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the global security profession.
The organisers extended their appreciation to ASIS India, Knowledge Partner MitKat Advisory, category sponsors Godrej, Security India and MitKat Advisory, as well as the independent judging panel and supporting associations whose continued commitment ensures the credibility and prestige of the OSPAs.
The 2026 India & South Asia OSPAs once again showcased the innovation, professionalism and dedication driving the security profession forward, reinforcing its vital role in protecting people, organisations and communities across the region.
