India's Frontier in Artificial Intelligence: Military Applications Amidst Regional Competition

India is harnessing its technological prowess to enhance its military capabilities with artificial intelligence (AI), driven by a desire to counter China's substantial investments in the field. With ambitious plans and collaborations with the U.S., India seeks to establish a sovereign AI capability for defense purposes.

Amidst intensifying geopolitical tensions with China and the rapidly evolving landscape of warfare, India has embarked on a path to harness artificial intelligence (AI) for the modernization of its military. A report by the Delhi Policy Group highlights the country's annual investment of around $50 million in AI-related research, albeit significantly lower than China's substantial expenditures. The report underscores the need for increased investment to ensure India's technological competitiveness.

In response to this imperative, India's defense establishment has launched various initiatives to bolster its AI capabilities. The Indian Army has showcased a robotic buddy capable of traversing rugged terrain, removing unexploded shells, and serving as a stretcher for injured soldiers. The navy is believed to be developing autonomous aquatic robots that can navigate environments inaccessible to humans.

The Signals Technology Evaluation and Adaptation Group (STEAG), an elite unit of the Indian Army, is diligently evaluating emergent technologies, including AI, for potential military applications. Furthermore, India has formed a partnership with the U.S., known as the U.S.–India Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies, to collaborate on AI development.

The implementation of AI in warfare offers numerous advantages. Generative AI, for instance, provides real-time intelligence and simulations, enabling militaries to comprehend the dynamics of a battlefield. Additionally, AI can reduce the need for human intervention in dangerous situations by patrolling borders with drones and robots.

However, concerns arise regarding the potential misuse of AI, particularly for nefarious purposes such as disinformation campaigns through deepfakes. Ethical considerations and the establishment of safeguards are crucial to ensure responsible AI deployment in military contexts.

India boasts a tech industry teeming with talent and a high level of English proficiency, providing an advantage in the availability of skilled professionals for AI development. However, China's centralized and well-funded military system presents a formidable challenge to India's efforts.

Nevertheless, India has demonstrated its leadership in the civilian sector of AI, particularly in facial recognition technology. Experts believe that India can leverage its strengths in AI to counterbalance China's military superiority, promoting stability and fostering ethical practices in the use of high-tech weaponry.

India's pursuit of AI for military applications reflects its commitment to safeguarding national interests and advancing its technological capabilities. Through strategic investments, collaborations with global partners, and responsible deployment of AI, India aims to establish a sovereign AI capability that ensures its readiness for the future of warfare. As the world grapples with the ethical implications of AI in military contexts, India's voice will hold significant weight in shaping the norms and laws governing the use of high-tech weaponry.