NewKerala.com

US and India Urged to Boost AI Defence Cooperation Amid Changing Warfare

The United States and India must enhance cooperation in artificial intelligence and defence as warfare evolves towards data and algorithms, according to experts at a US-India forum. Lt Gen (Retd) Raj Shukla stated that AI is not futuristic and that algorithmic warfare has arrived, necessitating rapid military adaptation similar to software companies. Vivek Lall of General Atomics emphasized that no country can lead alone, calling for joint work across industry, academia, and governments. Both speakers highlighted the need for data sharing, training, and electromagnetic spectrum control to strengthen the partnership amid an inflection point for co-development and co-production.

Key Points: US-India AI Defence Cooperation Key for Future Warfare

  • US and India must step up AI defence cooperation
  • Algorithmic warfare is already here, changing combat workflows
  • Militaries need to operate like software companies with rapid updates
  • No country can lead alone; joint efforts across industry and academia are crucial
2 min read

US-India push AI defence cooperation

Experts call for US-India collaboration in AI and defence as warfare shifts to data and algorithms, highlighting the need for rapid innovation and joint efforts.

"AI is not futuristic... algorithmic warfare is arrived, and it will change the workflows of combat forever. - Lt Gen (Retd) Raj Shukla"

Washington, May 9

The United States and India must step up cooperation in artificial intelligence and defence as warfare shifts to data and algorithms, experts said.

Speaking at a US-India forum, Vivek Lall, Chief Executive of General Atomics Global Cooperation, and Lt Gen (Retd) Raj Shukla said the nature of war is changing fast. The session was moderated by Sameer Lalwani of the Special Competitive Studies Project.

Shukla said AI is already shaping the battlefield. "AI is not futuristic... algorithmic warfare is arrived, and it will change the workflows of combat forever," he said.

He said militaries must adapt quickly. "Military is conservative organizations don't update their process once a year... in Ukraine... software innovations are being delivered every two weeks, hardware every four weeks," he said.

He called for a major shift in defence systems. "Departments of Defense... now need to operate as software companies," he said.

Shukla said India needs stronger debate and thinking on these issues. "Ideation in these domains in India has to strengthen," he said.

Lall said no country can lead alone in new technologies. "No one country has remarked on the best ideas," he said.

He said the US and India together can deliver results. He pointed to the need for cooperation across industry and academia. "Universities vocational institutes... play a great role, because at the end of the day, it's global talent," he said.

Lall listed key areas for joint work. These include data sharing, training, and control of the electromagnetic spectrum.

Shukla also flagged the cost factor in modern war. "For every $1 that the Iranians spent... it took the Americans... $28 to intercept," he said.

He said India must break silos across sectors. "Civil, military, private sector, government Academy... operated in science," he said.

Both speakers said the partnership is at a key moment. Lall said, "We're at an inflection point," and added that the next decade could see "a lot of co development work... a lot of co production work."

The United States and India have expanded defence ties over the past two decades. This includes joint exercises and technology partnerships.

AI and emerging technologies are now central to the relationship. Both countries are working to build capabilities in data, autonomous systems and next-generation warfare.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
This is promising, but I hope the benefits reach our domestic defence industry too. We need to build our own AI capabilities, not just import solutions. Lt Gen Shukla's point about breaking silos is crucial—civil-military integration is where India always lags. Let's see if this translates into real action, not just forum talk.
V
Vikram M
The $28 vs $1 interception cost comparison with Iran is a wake-up call. We can't afford to waste money on outdated approaches. AI in defence isn't just about drones and robots—it's about making every rupee count. Good that both countries are taking this seriously. 👍
M
Michael C
As an American, I'm excited about this partnership. But we need to be careful about technology transfer restrictions—India shouldn't be treated as a junior partner. True cooperation means sharing core AI and data capabilities, not just selling finished products. Let's make this a real two-way street.
N
Neha E
AI in warfare is inevitable, but let's not forget the ethics. We need strong safeguards against autonomous weapons making life-and-death decisions. The partnership should include joint frameworks for responsible AI use. Otherwise, we're just racing towards a future no one wants. 🤖☮️
R
Rahul R
This is good, but India must also focus on developing indigenous AI talent. The General Atomics CEO mentioned global talent—our IITs and NITs are producing brilliant minds, but we need better industry-academia links to keep them here. Make in India should also mean think in India for defence AI!

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50