Concept Note

The rapid advancement of emerging technologies is reshaping the global defence landscape, introducing capabilities that were once the domain of science fiction into the operational reality of modern militaries. Artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, and autonomous systems have become pivotal to contemporary warfare, offering unparalleled precision, efficiency, and adaptability. Among these innovations, Lethal Autonomous Weapon Systems (LAWS) have emerged as a disruptive force, redefining combat scenarios and raising profound ethical, legal, and strategic questions. For India, these developments present both opportunities to enhance national security and challenges in navigating the regulatory, technical, and geopolitical implications.

AI’s integration into the military domain (AIMD) includes applications that augment decision-making, enhance situational awareness, and automate complex operational tasks. AI-powered intelligence analysis, predictive maintenance of military equipment, and AI-driven command and control systems are revolutionizing the way modern armed forces operate. These capabilities have the potential to provide significant strategic advantages, enabling faster responses to emerging threats and more effective resource management. However, AIMD also raises critical issues such as interoperability, Cybersecurity, and the potential for unintended escalation in conflicts, underscoring the need for comprehensive strategies that balance technological ambition with operational prudence.

India’s defence industry stands at the threshold of a significant transformation, with a growing emphasis on technological indigenization and self-reliance. However, the adoption of systems like LAWS requires not only advancements in core technologies but also the development of governance frameworks that ensure their responsible deployment. Global discussions on LAWS remain polarized, with no consensus on definitions, operational parameters, or regulatory mechanisms. As a rising power with increasing stakes in the global defence ecosystem, India must debate the issue internally and participate in various dialogues happening globally to understand the global view on this subject. This will help India to protect its interests, build technological leadership, and align its policies with both international norms and domestic security imperatives.

The integration of LAWS into India’s defence strategy demands a nuanced understanding of the interplay between their technological capabilities, operational advantages, and the associated risks. Core technologies such as AI-driven decision- 6 making, advanced sensors, and machine learning algorithms offer significant potential for enhancing combat effectiveness. However, these benefits must be weighed against the challenges of legal accountability, compliance with international humanitarian law, and the ethical considerations of delegating lifeand-death decisions to machines. Furthermore, the evolving global regulatory landscape poses unique challenges for India, including safeguarding its strategic autonomy while participating in norm-setting efforts to govern LAWS responsibly. The three-day seminar on India’s Approach to AI in the Military Domain and Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems (LAWS), is structured to address these pressing issues through a phased approach. The first two days will follow a Track 1.5 format, engaging stakeholders such as defence experts, academia, and industry leaders in open discussions on critical themes. These include the state of play of India’s defence industry, global regulatory approaches, technical and legal safeguards for LAWS, and India’s capabilities in AIMD and emerging technologies. Day 3 will synthesize the discussions from the previous days in a closed-door session, exclusively for government personnel. This session will focus on consolidating insights into the determinants of India’s position on LAWS and AIMD, governance policies to secure sovereign AI capabilities in the military, and India’s strategy for global governance and regulatory engagement.

In essence, the seminar will explore:

• India’s current capabilities, growth potential, and challenges in LAWS adoption.
• Technical and legal safeguards for responsible deployment of autonomous systems.
• International regulatory efforts and their implications for India.
• Core technologies and key functional capabilities of LAWS.
• Multidimensional challenges, including ethical and legal considerations.
• Governance frameworks to secure India’s sovereign AI capabilities in defence.

By fostering dialogue across diverse stakeholders and ensuring actionable synthesis, the seminar aims to advance India’s defence strategy, support its technological ambitions, and enhance its role in shaping the global discourse on emerging technologies. This initiative will chart a comprehensive road map for integrating LAWS into India’s defence framework while ensuring the nation is prepared to address the challenges and seize the opportunities of this transformative era in military innovation.

DAY 1: 28 Jan 2025: AI IN MILITARY DOMAIN [Track 1.5 Format]

DAY 2: 29 Jan 2025: EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES IN AREAS OF LETHAL AUTONOMOUS WEAPON SYSTEMS [Track 1.5]

DAY 3: 30 January 2025: Round Table Discussion / Synthesis - GoI REPS ONLY

Restricted Session

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