The Hindu Editorial Analysis- 11th January 2025 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

India’s Journey So Far on the AI Military Bandwagon

Why in News?

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

India’s Advancements in Military AI

• Defence Budget 2023-24: ₹6.21 lakh crore ($75 billion) allocated for modernization and upgrading military systems. 
• Innovative Developments: Introduction of products like the Indrajaal autonomous drone security system. 
• Foreign Investments: Significant investments such as Microsoft’s $3 billion commitment to building data centres in Telangana, enhancing India’s AI ecosystem. 

Government’s Commitment to AI in Defence

• Defence Minister Rajnath Singh: Highlighted AI’s potential to transform military operations through predictive analytics and autonomous decision-making. 
• International Participation: India’s involvement in various global AI initiatives showcases its dedication to leveraging AI for defence. 
• Need for Addressing Hurdles: Despite progress, certain challenges must be overcome for effective AI integration. 

Challenges in Adopting Military AI

• Data Requirements: AI development necessitates vast amounts of digitized data and sophisticated data centres, which are costly and pose a challenge for India. 
• Resource Allocation: The military needs to allocate resources for replacing outdated legacy systems, adding pressure to the budget. 
• Legacy System Modernization: Outdated hardware, such as older aircraft, is no longer competitive on a global scale and requires urgent modernization. 

Policy Gaps and Fragmentation

• Implementation Mechanisms: Current AI policies lack clear guidelines for military application. 
• Strategic Documents: While documents like the National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence and the Responsible AI for All paper offer frameworks, they are not tailored for military AI deployment. 
• Institutional Challenges: Bodies like the Defence Artificial Intelligence Council (DAIC) and the Defence AI Project Agency (DAIPA) need more transparent and updated progress reports. 

Competitive Disadvantage

• Global AI Race: Nations such as Israel and China are advancing rapidly in military AI, putting India at a competitive disadvantage. 
• Need for Vision: India requires a clearer strategic vision and faster implementation to keep pace in the global AI landscape. 
• Strategic Caution: Leaders have raised concerns about the potential risks of AI, drawing parallels to the dangers associated with nuclear weapons. 

Specific Challenges in India

• Inter-Service Silos: The distinct doctrines and communication systems of the Army, Navy, and Air Force impede interoperability and joint operations. 
• Reliance on Public Sector Units (PSUs): The defence sector’s historical dependence on PSUs, despite capable private players and startups, slows down innovation. 
• Need for Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs): Encouraging PPPs and competition, similar to advancements in the space sector, could boost AI innovation in defence. 

Path Forward for AI in Defence

• Systemic Reforms: Addressing inter-service silos and reducing reliance on PSUs are crucial for effective AI integration. 
• Strong Policy Frameworks: Clear and robust policies are necessary for the ethical and efficient deployment of military AI. 
• International Collaboration: Engaging in global partnerships and fostering innovation through PPPs will enhance AI capabilities in defence. 
• Strategic Cohesion:. unified strategy will enable India to fully exploit AI’s potential, transforming its defence landscape.