India’s Journey in Military AI

Source: This post on India’s Journey in Military AI  has been created based on article “India’s journey so far on the AI military bandwagon ” published in The Hindu on 11^th January 2025.

UPSC Syllabus- GS Paper 3- Science and technology

Context: The article explores India’s journey and challenges in integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into its military framework, amidst global advancements in military AI technologies. As AI becomes a pivotal component in modern warfare, countries like Israel and China are leading in rapid AI adoption for military purposes. India, recognizing the transformative potential of AI, has made significant investments in AI development and modernization of its defense systems.

How has India embraced AI in its military modernization efforts?

1. India has allocated ₹6.21 lakh crore ($75 billion) in its defence budget, emphasizing modernization.
2. AI integration in military operations has begun with systems like the Indrajaal autonomous drone security system.
3. Investments from foreign tech giants, such as Microsoft’s $3 billion investment in Telangana data centers, have supported India’s AI ecosystem.

What is the government’s stance on AI for military purposes?

1. Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh highlighted AI’s transformative potential in areas like predictive analytics and autonomous decision-making.
2. India is part of international joint AI initiatives, showcasing its commitment to leveraging AI for defence.

What challenges does India face in adopting AI for defence?

1. Infrastructure Issues:
   1. A lack of digitized data and the high cost of data centers are significant barriers.
   2. Legacy systems in the military, such as outdated aircraft, require expensive upgrades, straining resources.
2. Policy Gaps:
   1. Fragmented policies and insufficient guidelines hinder AI deployment.
   2. Documents like the National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence and Responsible AI for All lack military-specific frameworks.
3. Institutional Barriers:
   1. The Defence Artificial Intelligence Council (DAIC) and the Defence AI Project Agency (DAIPA) exist but have not provided recent updates or significant progress.

How does India compare globally in military AI?

1. Nations like Israel and China are rapidly advancing in military AI and are already ahead in technology deployment.
2. While India recognizes AI’s importance, there is inconsistency in its approach, reflected in cautious remarks by leaders:
   1. The Minister of External Affairs likened AI to nuclear weapons in its potential dangers.
   2. The Prime Minister emphasized the need for extreme caution during the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI) in 2023.

What systemic challenges exist in India’s military structure for AI adoption?

1. Siloed Operations:
   1. The Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force operate with distinct doctrines and communication systems, limiting interoperability.
2. Public Sector Dependence:
   1. Reliance on public sector units (PSUs) for defence manufacturing hinders large-scale, advanced AI system deployment.
   2. Encouraging public-private partnerships (PPPs) and integrating private competition can enhance innovation, as seen in the space sector.

What are the strategic steps India needs to take for better AI adoption?

1. Develop robust policies and frameworks tailored for military AI deployment.
2. Address inter-service silos to ensure interoperability in joint operations.
3. Promote PPPs to scale and enhance the quality of AI systems.
4. Foster international collaborations and innovation for rapid AI integration.

What is the outlook for India’s AI-enabled military?

1. Despite current challenges, India has taken significant steps toward leveraging AI for defence.
2. Strategic alignment, systemic reforms, and fostering collaboration will enable India to harness AI effectively and ethically.
3. With cohesive strategies, India can match global advancements and ensure its defence ecosystem remains competitive.