India’s journey so far on the AI military bandwagon

/ English, Editorials /

India’s journey so far on the AI military bandwagon

(Source – Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 6)

Topic: GS3 – Science and Technology

Context

India is integrating AI into its military, focusing on modernization, but faces challenges in funding, policy, and interoperability.

India’s Progress in Military AI Development

1. Increasing Focus on AI for Defence Modernization

  • Integration of AI Systems: India is enhancing its military capabilities by incorporating AI into its defense framework.
  • Defence Budget 2023-24: The budget is set at ₹6.21 lakh crore ($75 billion), prioritizing modernization and upgrades to military systems.
  • Innovative Developments: Products like the Indrajaal autonomous drone security system have been successfully developed.
  • Foreign Investments: Significant investments, such as Microsoft’s $3 billion commitment to build data centers in Telangana, are strengthening India’s AI ecosystem.

2. Government’s Commitment to AI in Defence

  • Ministerial Support: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh highlights the transformative potential of AI, including applications in predictive analytics and autonomous decision-making.
  • International Collaboration: India is actively participating in various international AI initiatives to enhance its defense capabilities.
  • Ongoing Challenges: Despite notable progress, there are several obstacles to effective AI adoption in the military.

3. Challenges in Adopting Military AI

  • Funding and Infrastructure Limitations:
  • AI development demands extensive digitized data and costly data centers, creating challenges for India.
  • There’s a need to replace outdated legacy systems, which strains the military budget.
  • Older hardware like dated aircraft is becoming less competitive and requires urgent modernization.
  • Policy Gaps and Fragmentation:
  • Existing AI policies do not have clear mechanisms for military application and implementation.
  • Documents such as the National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence and Responsible AI for All guide AI ethics but lack military-specific details.
  • Institutions like the Defence Artificial Intelligence Council (DAIC) and Defence AI Project Agency (DAIPA) are established but need more transparency in progress reporting.
  • The International AI Race:
  • Countries like Israel and China are rapidly advancing in military AI, putting India at a competitive disadvantage.
  • Cautionary comments from leaders liken AI’s potential risks to those of nuclear weapons, emphasizing a need for careful consideration.

4. Specific Challenges in India

  • Inter-Service Silos:
  • The distinct doctrines and communication systems of the Army, Navy, and Air Force complicate interoperability and joint operations.
  • Reliance on Public Sector Units (PSUs):
  • India’s defence sector has historically depended on PSUs, even when private companies and startups are creating high-quality systems.
  • Encouraging public-private partnerships (PPPs) and competition, similar to the space sector, could drive AI innovation forward.

5. Path Forward for AI in Defence

  • Systemic Changes Needed: Addressing inter-service silos and reducing reliance on PSUs is crucial for progress.
  • Strong Frameworks and Policies: Comprehensive frameworks and clear policies are vital for the ethical and effective deployment of military AI.
  • Promoting Innovation through Collaboration: Enhancing international collaboration and fostering innovation via PPPs can significantly advance AI capabilities in defense.
  • Coherent Strategy: With a unified approach, India can tap into AI’s potential to transform its defense ecosystem.