US and India urged to deepen AI defence cooperation
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Washington, May 9 — At a US-India forum, experts urged closer US-India cooperation on artificial intelligence and defence, saying warfare has shifted to data and algorithms. Vivek Lall, chief executive of General Atomics Global Cooperation, and Lt Gen (Retd) Raj Shukla made the principal remarks in a session moderated by Sameer Lalwani of the Special Competitive Studies Project. Shukla said "AI is not futuristic" and warned that "algorithmic warfare is arrived," calling on militaries to adopt faster software-style development cycles and transform defence departments to operate like software companies.
Lall said no single country has all the best ideas and that the United States and India can achieve more by cooperating across industry, academia and vocational institutes to tap global talent. He and Shukla identified areas for joint work including data sharing, training and control of the electromagnetic spectrum. Shukla also highlighted cost asymmetries in modern conflict and urged India to break civil-military and sectoral silos. Both described the partnership as being at an inflection point as AI and emerging technologies become central to the bilateral defence relationship built up over two decades.
More context
Timeline
- 1. Prior years: Militaries and analysts increase focus on AI integration in defence systems.
- 2. Recent conflict analyses: Observers note rapid software-driven adaptation in Ukraine operations.
- 3. 9 May: US‑India forum features Vivek Lall and Lt Gen (Retd) Raj Shukla discussing algorithmic warfare.
- 4. Forum recommendations: Call for US‑India cooperation, iterative software cycles, and defence procurement reform.
- 5. This week: Policymakers and defence planners expected to consider joint R&D, interoperability, and procurement changes.
Why it matters
The shift to AI and algorithmic warfare affects national security. It could change how the US and India protect their interests. This might impact defense spending and jobs. Keep an eye on policy changes and job opportunities in AI and defense sectors.
Sources
JQJO Editorial Desk · Human reviewed · AI assisted. Report a correction.
