India is on the cusp of a technological revolution, with artificial intelligence (AI) poised to transform the country’s national security landscape. But for AI to truly make a meaningful impact, the government must take a proactive role in promoting its adoption.
A recent report by Nexgen Exhibitions highlighted the importance of government incentives and substantial investments in AI to strengthen cybersecurity and border security. The report, based on a survey of over 200 companies from 15 cities, found that 86 per cent of respondents agree or strongly agree that India needs proactive government support in AI for national security.
The need for government support is underscored by the growing threats to India’s national security. With the country ranking third globally in phishing attacks, and over 2.3 million cybersecurity incidents reported in 2024 alone, AI can be a transformative tool for ensuring national sovereignty. However, the government must take a proactive role in promoting AI adoption, rather than simply reacting to emerging threats.
Building the Foundation for AI Adoption
The Indian government has taken some steps to promote AI adoption, including the establishment of the Defence AI Council (DAIC) and the Defence AI Project Agency (DAIPA). These initiatives have brought together stakeholders from the defence, industry, and academia to guide policy and operational frameworks for defence AI initiatives.
However, more needs to be done to create a conducive environment for AI adoption. This includes investing in infrastructure, talent, and governance to support the development and deployment of AI-powered solutions.
The Role of AI in National Security
AI is not just a tool for cybersecurity and border security; it has the potential to transform India’s defence capabilities as a whole. By leveraging AI, the Indian military can gain insights into enemy movements, predict and prevent attacks, and make data-driven decisions.
Moreover, AI can help India’s defence forces to better respond to emerging threats, such as electronic warfare and information warfare. By developing AI-powered systems, India can stay ahead of the curve and protect its national interests.
Conclusion
In conclusion, AI adoption in India requires proactive government support. By investing in infrastructure, talent, and governance, the government can create a conducive environment for AI adoption and help the country to emerge as a global leader in responsible and strategic defence AI innovation.
As India navigates the complexities of AI adoption, it is crucial that the government takes a proactive role in promoting the responsible use of AI. This includes developing policies and guidelines to ensure that AI is used in a way that is ethical, transparent, and accountable.
By working together, the government, industry, and academia can unlock India’s potential in AI and ensure that the country is well-positioned to take advantage of the opportunities and challenges that this technology presents.
Originally published on https://www.livemint.com/technology/tech-news/india-needs-proactive-govt-support-in-ai-for-national-security-says-report-11753092220630.html
