Indian Military Enhances AI Capabilities to Keep Pace with Regional Powers

India is accelerating its investment in artificial intelligence (AI) for military applications as it seeks to match the technological advancements of regional rival China. Despite India's strong high-tech industry, the gap in AI research funding between the two countries remains significant.

Comparative Spending on AI Research

A 2023 report by the Delhi Policy Group highlighted that India spends approximately $50 million annually on AI research. This figure pales in comparison to China's expenditure, which is over 30 times greater. The report called India's spending a "good initial step" but emphasized the need for substantially increased investment to avoid falling behind China in the technology race. 

Antoine Levesques, a research fellow at the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), noted that India is actively developing a national AI capability for defense purposes. He emphasized the importance of acquiring foreign-made chips to enhance India's AI hardware capacity, leveraging the country's abundant tech talent.

 AI Initiatives and Developments

India's military has launched several initiatives to integrate AI into its operations. In October 2023, the Eastern Command of the Indian Army showcased a defense robot during the East Tech 2023 fair in Guwahati, Assam. This robotic platform can traverse rugged terrain, remove unexploded shells, and serve as a stretcher for injured soldiers. Equipped with multiple cameras and manually operated by a ground controller, this innovation marks a significant step forward in the army's technological capabilities. The Indian Navy is also believed to be developing autonomous aquatic robots for operations in environments inaccessible to humans.

The Indian Army's Signals Technology Evaluation and Adaptation Group (STEAG) is at the forefront of researching and evaluating emerging technologies, including AI, to modernize warfare tactics and strategies.

International Collaborations and Strategic Partnerships

India is not working in isolation. It has formed strategic partnerships with the United States to bolster its AI capabilities. At the ninth ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting (ADMM) in 2022, U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh discussed AI among other topics. That same year, the U.S.–India Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies was announced by President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, further solidifying cooperation between the two nations.

Strategic Imperatives

India’s pursuit of advanced AI capabilities is driven by the need to secure its position in the region and counterbalance China's technological advancements. As the geopolitical landscape evolves, India's strategic investments in AI and partnerships with key allies like the United States are crucial for maintaining regional stability and security.

The ongoing development and integration of AI in India's military operations underscore the country's commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology to enhance its defense capabilities and maintain a competitive edge in the region.