In February 2025, India’s Defence Ministry took a significant step forward in enhancing its military capabilities by conducting a pilot study on Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems (LAWS). This study, conducted in collaboration with the Manohar Parrikar Institute of Defence Studies and Analyses, focuses on the growing role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in modern warfare. As nations around the world continue to advance their defence technologies, India is exploring how AI can be integrated into its defence strategy while also considering the ethical, legal, and accountability challenges of using such advanced systems in military operations.
Why is AI Crucial for India’s Defence?
AI is rapidly becoming a core element of military strategy globally, and India recognizes its potential to enhance its defence systems. One of the key benefits of AI is that it can allow military systems to operate autonomously, without constant human intervention. This can help in making quicker, more efficient decisions in combat situations. For India, maintaining strategic autonomy is critical in a world where technological superiority is often linked to military power. The Defence Ministry sees AI as vital to ensuring India’s military remains competitive and resilient against future threats.
What Challenges Does India Face in AI Integration?
India is still in the early stages of incorporating AI into its military platforms. While there is potential for AI to revolutionize defence systems, its integration is not without challenges. Developing lethal autonomous systems that can function independently requires significant technological advancements, and there are concerns about reliability and control. Additionally, international export controls on AI components limit the options available to Indian manufacturers. These hurdles emphasize the need for India to develop its own capabilities in critical technologies, ensuring that it is not dependent on foreign powers for essential military innovations.
How Does India Stand in the Global Race for AI in Defence?
India is not alone in exploring AI for military purposes. Over 50 countries, including global powers like the United States, China, and Russia, as well as allies like Japan and South Korea, are actively developing their own AI strategies for defence. The race to integrate AI into military operations has intensified, with nations recognizing the importance of staying ahead in this field to maintain national security. As the global landscape evolves, India must work swiftly to develop sovereign AI capabilities to ensure it remains on par with other countries in terms of technological advancements.
What is India’s Strategy for AI in Defence?
India’s commitment to AI in defence is not just about developing technology but also about creating a framework to ensure responsible and ethical use. The country has set up an AI task force in 2018 and established the Defence AI Council and Defence AI Project Agency to push forward these efforts. These bodies are tasked with identifying priority areas for AI application in defence, with 75 key focus areas already outlined. Furthermore, India’s armed services are working closely with the Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) initiative to foster innovation in AI technologies.
India also emphasizes the responsible use of AI in military applications. The government has advocated for a cautious approach, especially concerning Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems, which can operate independently in combat. On the global stage, India has actively called for discussions on LAWS and has proposed that a Group of Governmental Experts at the UN explore the matter further. Although India abstained from a 2024 UNGA resolution on LAWS, it remains committed to ensuring that AI use in military settings aligns with international humanitarian law.
How Does India Ensure Trustworthy AI in Defence?
As part of its broader strategy, India has adopted a framework for evaluating AI systems used in defence. This framework focuses on five core principles: reliability, transparency, fairness, privacy, and safety. By ensuring that AI systems adhere to these standards, India aims to deploy technologies that are not only effective but also ethical and safe. These principles are designed to ensure that AI in the military respects international norms and humanitarian concerns, ultimately preventing misuse and fostering global trust.
Summary of the news
Why in News | Key Points |
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India’s Defence Ministry conducted a pilot study on Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems (LAWS) in February 2025. | LAWS pilot study conducted by India’s Defence Ministry and the Manohar Parrikar Institute of Defence Studies and Analyses. |
Focus on AI’s role in military strategy and ethical implications of autonomous weapons. | Strategic autonomy in military defence emphasized through AI integration. |
The Defence Ministry sees AI as key to India’s competitive military edge. | India’s Defence AI Council and Defence AI Project Agency established to push AI integration. |
India’s defence industry in early stages of AI adoption; faces challenges. | Developmental hurdles due to AI complexity and international export controls on components. |
Over 50 countries, including major powers like the U.S., Russia, and China, developing AI defence strategies. | India’s AI task force and Defence AI Project Agency identified 75 priority areas for AI. |
India advocates for responsible AI use in military; calls for UN discussions on LAWS. | India abstained from a 2024 UNGA resolution on LAWS but supports discussions on responsible AI. |
India’s Defence Ministry adopts a framework for trustworthy AI based on five core principles. | AI evaluation principles: reliability, transparency, fairness, privacy, and safety. |