The year 2025 marked a defining phase for the global and Indian security industry. Accelerated digitalisation, rapid adoption of artificial intelligence, rising geopolitical tensions, evolving terror threats, and growing concerns around cyber-physical vulnerabilities collectively reshaped the security landscape. For India, in particular, the convergence of smart city initiatives, critical infrastructure expansion, and heightened homeland security priorities pushed the industry into a new era of technological sophistication and strategic relevance.
At the same time, the security sector witnessed a fundamental shift in expectations. Customers moved beyond conventional surveillance and access control solutions towards intelligent, integrated, and outcome-driven security ecosystems. Policymakers and law enforcement agencies increasingly emphasised predictive capabilities, data-driven decision-making, and resilience against emerging threats, while enterprises sought solutions that balanced security imperatives with privacy, compliance, and operational efficiency.
As the industry steps into 2026, it stands at a critical crossroads. The coming year is poised to test the sector’s readiness to adapt to disruptive technologies, manage complex threat vectors, and respond to rapidly evolving regulatory frameworks. The strategic choices made today by – technology providers, system integrators, policymakers, and end-users – will determine not only the trajectory of the security industry but also the broader safety and stability of societies and economies.
In this context, SecurityLinkIndia presents insights from leading voices across the security ecosystem to assess the industry’s performance in 2025 and decode the opportunities, risks, and priorities that will define 2026. Their perspectives offer a collective intelligence that reflects both the challenges faced and the possibilities ahead, making this compilation a vital reference for stakeholders shaping the future of security in India and beyond.
Chairman, Tenon Group
Overall performance of the Indian security & surveillance industry in 2025
2025 has been a strong and transformative year for the Indian security and surveillance industry. The sector witnessed healthy growth driven by rapid infrastructure development, increased urbanisation, and heightened enterprise focus on risk management and compliance.
There has been a visible shift from traditional manpower-led models to technology-integrated security solutions. Investments increased across AI-enabled surveillance, remote monitoring, access control, and command centre-based operations. Customers are no longer buying standalone products or guarding services; they are investing in outcome-driven, integrated security ecosystems.
Overall, 2025 positioned the industry on a higher maturity curve with stronger adoption of digital platforms, analytics, and centralised operations.
Most significant shifts in 2025 reshaping the industry
The most significant shift in 2025 was the convergence of physical security, technology, and data intelligence. Enterprises moved from reactive security to predictive and preventive models.
Key changes included:
- Growing demand for remote monitoring and centralized command centers
- Increased adoption of AI-based video analytics and automation
- Higher focus on regulatory compliance, workforce formalisation, and training.
Security is now seen as a strategic business enabler, not just a support function.
Technologies, verticals, and risks driving growth in 2026
In 2026, the growth of the Indian security industry will be driven by technologies that enable intelligence, integration, and real-time response. AI-powered surveillance, advanced video analytics, remote monitoring platforms, and integrated command-and-control systems will see accelerated adoption as enterprises look to move from manpower-heavy models to technology-led security ecosystems. The convergence of physical and digital security will also gain momentum, with organisations demanding unified platforms that bring together access control, surveillance, workforce monitoring, and incident management.
From a market perspective, sectors such airports, logistics and warehousing, large manufacturing hubs, healthcare facilities, and smart infrastructure projects will continue to be major growth drivers. At the same time, rising concerns around business continuity, infrastructure resilience, insider threats, and operational disruptions will push security from a functional requirement to a strategic investment area, shaping both spending priorities and solution design across industries.
Industry preparedness for 2026 and urgent gaps
The Indian security industry is significantly better prepared today than it was even a few years ago. There is greater professionalism, stronger regulatory awareness, and a visible shift toward technology integration, centralized operations, and data-led security management. Many organisations have already begun investing in digital platforms, training frameworks, and scalable service models to address the evolving threat landscape.
However, to truly meet the demands of 2026, the industry must urgently address a few structural gaps. Skill development and workforce upgradation remain critical, especially in areas such as technology operations, analytics, and advanced incident response.
Standardisation of processes, compliance frameworks, and service benchmarks must also improve to build trust and consistency at a national level. Finally, deeper integration of technologies is required, as fragmented deployments limit impact. The next phase of growth will belong to organisations that invest in people, platforms, and process excellence simultaneously.
CMD, AP Securitas
Overall performance of the Indian security & surveillance industry in 2025
The year 2025 can be described as a year of consolidation and transition for the Indian security industry. While growth remained steady across key sectors such as infrastructure, manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, and public facilities, the real progress was visible in the industry’s evolving mindset. Security is no longer viewed purely as a manpower deployment function; it is increasingly recognised as a structured, accountable, and technology-supported service.
Investments in surveillance, access control, command centres, and remote monitoring increased, but more importantly, customers began demanding professionalism, compliance, and measurable outcomes. For service providers like AP Securitas, 2025 reinforced the importance of combining trained manpower with technology, standard operating procedures, and governance. Overall, the industry moved up the maturity curve, even though adoption levels still vary across regions and sectors.
Most significant shifts in 2025 reshaping the industry
The most significant shift in 2025 was the change in customer expectations. Clients are no longer satisfied with headcount-based security models. They are asking sharper questions around effectiveness, compliance, training standards, response capability, and accountability.
Regulatory focus on labour compliance, wage structures, and workforce formalisation also became more pronounced, compelling serious players to strengthen governance and operational transparency. At the same time, threats became more complex – ranging from theft and pilferage to insider risks, operational disruptions, and safety incidents – requiring better supervision, reporting, and escalation mechanisms.
This combination of regulatory pressure and evolving risk profiles pushed the industry toward structured, process-driven, and technology-assisted security delivery models.
Technologies, verticals, and risks driving growth in 2026
In 2026, growth will be driven by technologies that enhance supervision, visibility, and response efficiency rather than replace manpower entirely. Remote monitoring, mobile-based supervision tools, GPS-enabled patrol management, AI-assisted video analytics, and integrated command platforms will play a critical role in improving service quality and reducing dependency on manual oversight.
From a vertical perspective, manufacturing, logistics parks, warehouses, airports, healthcare facilities, and large residential townships will continue to drive demand. Rising concerns around insider threats, workplace safety, material loss, and business continuity will push organisations to invest in integrated security solutions that combine people, processes, and platforms.
The focus will increasingly be on risk prevention and operational resilience rather than just incident reaction.
Industry preparedness for 2026 and urgent gaps
The industry is better prepared today than it was a few years ago, but significant gaps remain. The organised segment has made progress in training, compliance, and technology adoption, but the unorganised sector continues to dilute standards and pricing discipline.
Skill development remains the most urgent priority – particularly supervisory training, technology handling, soft skills, and incident response. Workforce retention, timely payments, and financial sustainability are also critical challenges, especially for service providers operating on thin margins.
For the industry to be truly future-ready, there must be greater emphasis on standardisation, ethical practices, compliance enforcement, and collaboration between service providers, clients, and regulators. The next phase of growth will favour organisations that invest consistently in people, processes, and professionalism – not just scale.
Managing Director, CP PLUS
Overall performance of the Indian security & surveillance industry in 2025
The year 2025 can be described as a year of consolidation and transition for the Indian security industry. While growth remained steady across key sectors such as infrastructure, manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, and public facilities, the real progress was visible in the industry’s evolving mindset. Security is no longer viewed purely as a manpower deployment function; it is increasingly recognised as a structured, accountable, and technology-supported service.
Investments in surveillance, access control, command centres, and remote monitoring increased, but more importantly, customers began demanding professionalism, compliance, and measurable outcomes. For service providers like AP Securitas, 2025 reinforced the importance of combining trained manpower with technology, standard operating procedures, and governance. Overall, the industry moved up the maturity curve, even though adoption levels still vary across regions and sectors.
Most significant shifts in 2025 reshaping the industry
The most significant shift in 2025 was the change in customer expectations. Clients are no longer satisfied with headcount-based security models. They are asking sharper questions around effectiveness, compliance, training standards, response capability, and accountability.
Regulatory focus on labour compliance, wage structures, and workforce formalisation also became more pronounced, compelling serious players to strengthen governance and operational transparency. At the same time, threats became more complex – ranging from theft and pilferage to insider risks, operational disruptions, and safety incidents – requiring better supervision, reporting, and escalation mechanisms.
This combination of regulatory pressure and evolving risk profiles pushed the industry toward structured, process-driven, and technology-assisted security delivery models.
Technologies, verticals, and risks driving growth in 2026
In 2026, growth will be driven by technologies that enhance supervision, visibility, and response efficiency rather than replace manpower entirely. Remote monitoring, mobile-based supervision tools, GPS-enabled patrol management, AI-assisted video analytics, and integrated command platforms will play a critical role in improving service quality and reducing dependency on manual oversight.
From a vertical perspective, manufacturing, logistics parks, warehouses, airports, healthcare facilities, and large residential townships will continue to drive demand. Rising concerns around insider threats, workplace safety, material loss, and business continuity will push organisations to invest in integrated security solutions that combine people, processes, and platforms.
The focus will increasingly be on risk prevention and operational resilience rather than just incident reaction.
Industry preparedness for 2026 and urgent gaps
The industry is better prepared today than it was a few years ago, but significant gaps remain. The organised segment has made progress in training, compliance, and technology adoption, but the unorganised sector continues to dilute standards and pricing discipline.
Skill development remains the most urgent priority – particularly supervisory training, technology handling, soft skills, and incident response. Workforce retention, timely payments, and financial sustainability are also critical challenges, especially for service providers operating on thin margins.
For the industry to be truly future-ready, there must be greater emphasis on standardisation, ethical practices, compliance enforcement, and collaboration between service providers, clients, and regulators. The next phase of growth will favour organisations that invest consistently in people, processes, and professionalism – not just scale.
Managing Director, Netrika
Overall performance of the Indian security & surveillance industry in 2025
Growth. The Indian security & surveillance industry has seen a strong growth year in 2025, with some research pegging the industry size at USD5.6 billion. Furthermore, the security industry is expected to grow at a 10% CAGR and touch 10 to 12 billion by 2033/ 2035. This augurs well for the industry and is driven by rising security threats, urbanization, infrastructure modernization and national programs such as Smart Cities, defense modernization and digital transformation.
Investments. The investments in the sector have been robust and as such driven by government programs, private-sector modernization and regulatory shifts (e.g., mandatory BIS certification for CCTV equipment from April 2025). Government security spendings in Public safety & command centers, metro, airports, transport modernisation, women’s safety projects (Nirbhaya Funds), National rail modernisation, etc have been considerable. The Private sector – especially Retail, BFSI, Logistics, enterprise companies have been seen to invest heavily in AI enabled video analytics, high resolution cameras, cloud VMS platforms, etc, with manufacturing as well as critical infra spending on integrated security systems.
Technology Adoption. 2025 saw aggressive technology adoption, with AI (industry adoption of FRS, ANPR, behaviour analytics, AI driven workflows for improved forensics search, real time alerts, etc), cloud (shift towards cloud-based video surveillance – VSaaS), IoT and high-resolution IP surveillance rapidly becoming industry standards.
Most significant shifts in 2025 reshaping the industry
The threat scenario is ever evolving. Threats in the physical security domain remain, with rising crime rates and public safety pressures – especially in the metros. At the same time cyber threats have been continuously evolving not only in their modus operandi but severity of attacks as well. Together – physical and cyber threats have seen entities put in place measures to address them in a holistic manner.
The regulatory zone has seen a push towards making the security industry more regulated and controlled at the grassroot levels so as to ensure credibility of the systems being deployed, thereby ensuring security at the hardware and software level. The BIS certifications as well as push towards domestic manufacturing and data privacy mandates are a case in point.
Customer expectations have also evolved with demands for AI driven outcome-based surveillance, cost effectiveness and efficiency through shift to cloud and VSaaS. Integrated cyber and physical security and convergence therein is also one of the asks.
Higher expectations as regard reliability and compliance as well as outcomes has emerged as a basic ask from the customers. If one were to summarise – surveillance is fast becoming intelligent, regulatory tightening is on the rise with an aim to ensure security and credibility at the grassroot levels of hardware and software and the customers, as always, want more bang for their buck with demands of visible outcomes, integration and compliance.
Technologies, verticals, and risks driving growth in 2026
2026 may well be defined by the convergence of physical and digital security, AI driven automation and cloud-edge ecosystems. Having said that, the technologies that may come to fore in 2026 would include AI & edge analytics, cloud video & VSaaS, scalable surveillance storage among others.
Transportation & logistics, Industrial & manufacturing, healthcare BFSI, Govt, etc will continue as verticals that see the security industry grow. Risks that are likely to direct the growth would include infrastructure vulnerabilities, cybersecurity/ data privacy, urban crime, public safety among others.
Industry preparedness for 2026 and urgent gaps
For India, all indicators allude to a solid foundation of investment, intent and infrastructure modernization to scale security operations in 2026. Technology adoption can be seen to be rising rapidly, enabling faster response capabilities and next-gen surveillance environments – enterprises are increasingly adopting AI-based threat detection, advanced video analytics and IoT security tools and National agencies recognize the need for predictive, data-driven security architectures to manage hybrid threats.
Given 2026’s threat landscape, we can see industry awareness and core defense tools improving – aided and ensured by the ever-expanding national cybersecurity measures. It is thus evident that India has strong momentum and capability development underway, but structural and technological gaps remain in areas such as modernisation of legacy infrastructure, predictive intelligence, skills shortage in AI/ cyber operations/ advanced surveillance, cybersecurity preparedness & incident response, etc, which need to be addressed on an urgent basis.
Managing Director, India, Vicon Industries
Overall performance of the Indian security & surveillance industry in 2025
2025 was a strong year for the Indian security and surveillance sector – steady growth driven by renewed public infrastructure spending, continued investments from enterprise and critical-infrastructure operators, and faster adoption of AI at the edge. Customers moved beyond ‘camera-for-camera’ buying to solution purchases (camera + analytics + VMS + services), so average deal sizes increased and recurring revenue models gained traction. Certification and compliance (STQC/ BIS) became a major commercial differentiator, prompting vendors to invest more in local engineering, certification pathways, and on-ground support.
Most significant shifts in 2025 reshaping the industry
Three shifts stood out – first, cybersecurity moved from an IT conversation to a procurement mandate – buyers now expect secure-by-design devices and signed software supply chains. Second, regulators and government tenders increasingly demanded Indian-compliant certification (STQC/ BIS), which changed sourcing and product roadmaps. Third, customer expectations matured – buyers want measurable outcomes (operational KPIs, false-alarm reduction, analytics accuracy) alongside lower total cost of ownership, pushing vendors to prove business value rather than just technical capability.
Technologies, verticals, and risks driving growth in 2026
Edge AI and analytics will continue to lead – real-time, on-camera detection reduces bandwidth and improves response times. Thermal imaging and multi-sensor solutions will grow rapidly in oil & gas, ports, and perimeter security where detection range and environmental resilience matter. Cybersecurity for IoT devices and secure firmware management will be a growth area (services + products). Verticals to watch – critical infrastructure (energy, oil & gas), transportation (rail, airports, metro), and smart cities – these sectors demand certified, integrable solutions and long-term support contracts.
Industry preparedness for 2026 and urgent gaps
The industry is well positioned but not without gaps. Strengths – rising local engineering capability, greater certification awareness, and maturing system integrator ecosystems. Gaps – (a) speed of certification and standardization – delays in STQC/ BIS cycles hinder product rollout; (b) cybersecurity maturity – many devices still lack secure supply-chain/ firmware management practices. Urgent actions are clearer certification roadmaps, mandatory cybersecurity baselines, and industry-wide training & accreditation programs to close the gap.
MD & CEO, Sparsh
Most significant shifts in 2025 reshaping the industry
After 2025, the Indian security industry is essentially in a ‘reset year’ mode. The STQC shift created real uncertainty – growth was muted because almost every manufacturer, channel partner, and end-customer was busy interpreting, re-engineering, and aligning to a new compliance baseline where cameras sold in India must meet stricter cybersecurity and trust requirements. That disruption, however, also clarified the direction of travel – companies like Sparsh CCTV and CP Plus with indigenous manufacturing, supply chains, and governance gained momentum because they could credibly deliver ‘Made in India’ plus compliance, turning trust into a differentiator, not just price.
Technologies, verticals, and risks driving growth and preparedness in 2026
2026 is where the industry moves from navigation to scale. Domestic players now have a clean opportunity to ramp volumes and take full advantage of the policy tailwind – not just to recover the demand that got deferred in 2025, but to lead the next wave of market expansion. Importantly, this isn’t only an India story anymore – globally, chipset vendors are actively upgrading their technology stacks to meet tighter cybersecurity and compliance requirements, which will become a broader trend and creates a much bigger export opportunity for Indian CCTV brands with cyber-secure, compliant portfolios.
The key risks remain threat from Chinese-origin players who continue to try to camouflage identity via partnerships and indirect routes. However, this is a sensitive, well-understood issue that policy enforcement will keep tightening to detect and deter. And STQC itself isn’t a one-time certification – it’s a continuous discipline with regular audits; any material non-compliance can lead to certification cancellation.
On innovation, the combination of chipset evolution and compliance-led engineering will accelerate product differentiation (especially in secure edge AI), and the slower growth of 2025 is likely to be compensated in 2026 as the market stabilizes. With Chinese cameras increasingly restricted in multiple global markets, the opportunity for Indian cyber-secure systems meaningfully expands, both domestically and internationally.
President, IIRIS
A clear assessment of where the Indian security industry stands after 2025.
2025 brought in a new milestone in Indian security industry, especially more active in North & West India – joint response by government and private bodies during Op Sindoor. And when we say government bodies – it also included coming together of Min of Defence and Min if Home Affairs along with support form medical authorities and other civic amenities authorities. Ability to respond to air threats was in particularly practiced and new procedures were enacted.
Advent of new technologies and adoption, though slow at this stage, by the industry was another major step forward in 2025. Uncontrolled cyber crime across globe and India is a sign of worry. Cybercrime costed the world approx.$10.5 trillion in 2025, if cybercrime was a country, it will be the third largest economy (GDP) of the world, just behind USA and China
Strategic insights on what will define growth, risk, and innovation in 2026.
Geopolitical situation impacting security of countries, including India, will be the single largest factor to analyse and look for.
AI will become biggest driving factor in lives, work and security from here onwards.
Integration of diverse platforms to provide single dashboards and command centres will bring effective solutions for the security industry.
Number of accidents will continue to be high leading to huge loss of lives.
Most probably cyber crime will not only keep growing but also become a major part of warfare at country level.
CTO – Raxa Security Services Ltd
Overall performance of the Indian security & surveillance industry in 2025
The Overall performance of S&S industry is quite enthusiastic, which is very much evident from the trade shows footfall and participations. There surely is higher inclination from the client side to look for solutions and not just a technology enables security architecture, which is a great thing as this would initiate further roadmap for security not based on just physical numbers but having a robust, reliable solution which works on providing desired results, effectiveness and efficient environment, with quantitative MIS.
Most significant shifts in 2025 reshaping the industry
Adoption of Analytics, specially customised ones. New generation threats on Porus cyber protection are gaining more attention.
Technologies, verticals, and risks driving growth in 2026
AI is growing and its impact would further be felt on the security industry in a positive manner. A proactive alert mechanism with predictive analysis is going to be a key factor for unified systems. Govt. Sector has always been an important buyer and they will continue to do so. Also, I feel driver behavior capturing and alerting is going to be a key growth tech element in 2026.
Industry preparedness for 2026 and urgent gaps
Am worried on the risks getting higher for SI’s due stuck-up payments, especially in the govt. sector.
Founder & CEO, Echelon Edge
Sr. Director Sales, Echelon Edge
Most significant shifts in 2025 reshaping the industry
AI & ML for predictive intelligence: AI and machine learning are reshaping networks from reactive systems into proactive ones. Predictive analytics helps identify performance issues before they escalate while automation reduces manual intervention and accelerates incident response, especially critical in large, complex environments.
5G and edge computing for real-time operations: With 5G enabling ultra-low latency and edge computing pushing processing closer to users and devices, networks must support real-time data flows. This shift increases the number of distributed endpoints that require continuous monitoring and coordination.
IoT proliferation and smart devices: The rapid expansion of IoT, ranging from sensors and cameras to industrial equipment has significantly widened the network footprint. Managing device health, performance, and connectivity across diverse locations is becoming a growing challenge for IT teams.
Cloud-native and hybrid architectures: As workloads span on-premises systems, private clouds, and public platforms, networks are becoming more dynamic and distributed. Ensuring consistent visibility, performance, and scalability across hybrid environments is now a core operational priority.
Technologies, verticals, and risks driving growth in 2026
As organizations race to adopt AI, expand IoT deployments and support hybrid work at scale, networks are being pushed harder than ever before. New technologies are unlocking massive opportunities but they’re also introducing complexity, visibility gaps and evolving security risks that IT teams can’t afford to ignore.
Every industry is feeling the shift. Smart infrastructure, data-driven operations and always-connected environments are becoming the norm and not the exception. At the same time, cyber threats are growing smarter, faster and more disruptive. The question is no longer if networks will be challenged, but how prepared they are to respond.
Are your networks ready to support AI-heavy workloads? Can they scale with thousands of connected devices? And when something goes wrong, will you know before it impacts the business? Understanding the technologies, verticals and risks shaping 2026 is the first step to staying ahead.
Industry preparedness for 2026 and urgent gaps
As networks become the backbone of AI-driven, always-on digital operations, visibility, resilience, and proactive management will define success in 2026. Organizations that invest early in intelligent, scalable network management will be better positioned to reduce risk, ensure performance, and unlock the full potential of emerging technologies. The future belongs to those who can see, predict, and respond before issues impact the business.
ESAI Founder President
Overall performance of the Indian security & surveillance industry in 2025
Answer: I would rate the Indian security and surveillance industry in 2025 at 8 out of 10. The industry showed healthy growth across government, commercial, and industrial segments. Security is no longer viewed as an optional investment – it is now considered essential infrastructure, similar to power or networking.
Investments increased in smart city projects, transportation, retail, logistics, manufacturing, and residential security. Technology adoption also improved significantly, with strong movement towards AI-enabled surveillance, intelligent monitoring, and integrated security platforms.
However, challenges such as uneven skill levels, price-driven procurement, and limited cybersecurity awareness still remain, which is why there is room for improvement.
Most significant shifts in 2025 reshaping the industry
The most significant shift in 2025 was the change in customer expectations and responsibility. Earlier, customers focused mainly on the number of cameras and cost. In 2025, they started asking what value the system delivers – in terms of safety, prevention, compliance, and operational efficiency.
Key changes included:
- More awareness of cyber threats targeting cameras and connected devices
- Increased focus on data privacy and legal compliance
- Higher demand for reliable, intelligent and secure systems
- Expectation of long-term support and performance, and not just installation
- Security solutions are now expected to be smart, ethical, and accountable.
Technologies, verticals, and risks driving growth in 2026
In 2026, the industry will be driven by intelligent and outcome-based security solutions. Key technologies would be AI-based video analytics, edge intelligence (processing data at the camera or local device), cybersecurity for surveillance and IoT devices, and integrated platforms combining CCTV, access control, alarms, and analytics.
Key growth verticals included – smart cities and traffic management; retail, malls and commercial spaces; warehouses, logistics and industrial facilities; education campuses and healthcare institutions; security risks such as cyberattacks, data misuse, and operational losses will further accelerate adoption of smarter systems.
Industry preparedness for 2026 and urgent gaps
The industry is moderately prepared, but urgent action is required in certain areas such as – strong demand and market potential; availability of advanced technologies; and experienced system integrators and solution providers.
Gaps that need immediate attention includes – cybersecurity preparedness for devices and networks; skilled manpower in AI, system integration, and operations; standardisation, quality benchmarks and best practices; privacy awareness and compliance with data protection laws; shift from one-time installation to lifecycle-based service models, and addressing these gaps will define the industry’s long-term credibility and growth.
Regional Manager, India & Bangladesh, Network Optix
Overall performance of the Indian security & surveillance industry in 2025
I believe the sector has experience significant growth, driven by rising security concerns and increased investments from both private and public sectors. Technological advancements, particularly in AI and IoT, will further enhance capabilities. The demand for integrated solutions and smarter surveillance systems will promote rapid technology adoption. Overall, I anticipate a robust and dynamic market landscape in the coming years.
Most significant shifts in 2025 reshaping the industry
In 2025, we observed several significant shifts in the industry. Notably, there was a rise in cyber threats, prompting stricter regulations around data security and privacy. Additionally, customer expectations evolved towards greater transparency and sustainability, influencing product development and marketing strategies. Companies that adapted quickly to these changes gained a competitive edge, while those slow to respond faced challenges. Understanding these shifts is crucial for continued success in our dynamic landscape.
Technologies, verticals, and risks driving growth in 2026
I believe that advancements in artificial intelligence and machine learning will play a significant role in shaping various verticals, particularly in healthcare and finance. Additionally, as cybersecurity threats continue to evolve, investments in robust security frameworks will be crucial. The rise of IoT will also introduce unique security risks, requiring innovative solutions. These factors will collectively drive growth and redefine industry standards in the coming years.
Industry preparedness for 2026 and urgent gaps
While the industry has made significant advancements, there are still critical gaps that need immediate attention, such as enhancing cybersecurity measures, improving surveillance technology, and addressing workforce skill shortages. Additionally, collaboration with international security frameworks and adopting innovative technologies are essential for comprehensive preparedness. A strategic focus on these areas will strengthen our security infrastructure and ensure resilience against emerging threats.
AVP Sales, Awiros
Overall performance of the Indian security & surveillance industry in 2025
2025 marked a transition from experimentation to scale. Enterprises moved beyond isolated pilots to deploy AI-driven visual intelligence platforms across multiple sites. Adoption expanded across factories, airports, national highways, data centers, retail networks, and banking infrastructure. Most importantly, security investments are now justified through outcomes – incident reduction, faster response times, improved compliance, higher uptime, and better asset utilization – rather than traditional surveillance metrics.
Most significant shifts in 2025 reshaping the industry
The most significant shift was the convergence of security, safety, and operations. Visual inspection evolved from periodic checks into continuous, AI-driven operational intelligence – monitoring worker safety, SOP adherence, anomaly detection, and process deviations in real time.
In parallel, agentic AI began to emerge, enabling systems to recommend or trigger predefined actions automatically. This reduced human latency and proved especially impactful in factories, airports, highways, and data centers, where response time directly affects safety, throughput, and service continuity.
Technologies, verticals, and risks driving growth in 2026
Key technology drivers will include AI-powered video analytics, large-scale visual inspection, edge-first computing, and agentic AI frameworks for autonomous decision support.
From a vertical standpoint, manufacturing and aviation will continue to lead adoption due to their high reliability, safety, and compliance requirements. Highways and transportation corridors will increasingly deploy AI for incident detection, lane discipline, and emergency response. Data centers will focus on perimeter security, access control, and uptime protection. Retail will leverage AI for loss prevention and customer flow optimization, while BFSI will continue investing in branch, ATM, and perimeter security with strong regulatory oversight.
Industry preparedness for 2026 and urgent gaps
Technologically, the industry is well positioned. However, execution maturity will be the key differentiator. Gaps remain in AI operations, cross-site standardization, and seamless integration between IT, OT, and physical security systems. Organizations that adopt a platform-based approach, rather than fragmented point solutions, will be better equipped to scale visual intelligence consistently across factories, highways, airports, data centers, and retail networks.
Conclusion: From Readiness to Resilience
The insights shared by industry leaders in this edition clearly underline one reality: the Indian security industry has moved beyond experimentation and is entering a phase of scale, accountability, and strategic impact. The year 2025 served as a transition point – marked by regulatory realignment, accelerated adoption of AI-led technologies, deeper integration of cyber and physical security, and a more mature, outcome-driven approach from customers across government and enterprise sectors.
As the industry looks toward 2026, growth opportunities are significant, but so are the responsibilities. Technologies such as edge AI, advanced video analytics, integrated command-and-control platforms, and secure, compliant surveillance systems will define the next wave of adoption. At the same time, challenges around skills, cybersecurity maturity, interoperability, standardisation, and payment cycles must be addressed with urgency and collective intent.
What emerges strongly from this industry pulse is the need for collaboration – between technology providers, system integrators, policymakers, and end-users. The future of security in India will not be shaped by isolated products or fragmented deployments, but by intelligent platforms, trusted supply chains, trained professionals, and resilient processes that can anticipate threats and respond decisively.
The Indian security industry stands at a pivotal moment. Those who invest in trust, compliance, innovation, and execution excellence will lead the next phase of growth. As security becomes inseparable from national resilience and economic continuity, the industry’s role will only grow in importance – not just as a protector of assets, but as an enabler of safer, smarter, and more secure societies.
