Critical Need For Trusted Local Tech In National Security
In a rapidly digitizing world where warfare is becoming increasingly technological, the integrity of the software running military systems is just as vital as the hardware itself. Highlighting this urgent necessity, Chandrika Kaushik, the Director General of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has issued a strong call for self-reliance. She asserted on Tuesday that India cannot take the risk of relying on foreign-developed intelligence for its national security needs.
Speaking on the sidelines of the India-AI Impact Summit 2026, Kaushik emphasized that while Artificial Intelligence is penetrating every sector, the defence domain requires a higher standard of verification. She pointed out that "indigenous AI solutions" are not just a matter of pride but a critical requirement for operational security.
"In the defence domain, we can't afford to depend on solutions and AI models which are coming from abroad. We need to be very sure about the trustworthiness of the models and the systems which we are adopting," Kaushik told news agency ANI.
The Risk of Foreign Dependence
The DRDO chief noted that AI has seamlessly integrated into daily life, helping students, teachers, and professionals find quick solutions. However, she flagged a concern that most of these convenient tools originate outside India. While acceptable for general tasks, relying on external algorithms for defence strategies or military logistics introduces "hooks" or vulnerabilities that could be exploited.
Kaushik praised the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) for uniting various stakeholders to fortify India’s internal AI ecosystem. She termed the summit as the right path forward, creating a collective platform to build trusted, indigenous AI capabilities that are safe for sensitive government use.
Taking AI to the Battlefield
Detailing how the DRDO is preparing for future warfare, Kaushik revealed that the organization has already rolled out two significant frameworks. The first is the ETAI (Evaluating Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence) framework, designed to ensure that AI systems remain resilient under pressure. The second involves strict guidelines for validating and verifying AI solutions, giving developers a clear roadmap to create military-grade software.
"We have started incorporating AI in almost every solution that we are developing, wherever there is data which can be used for analysis," she explained.
The integration is moving beyond labs and into active duty. Kaushik stated, "AI has started going to the edge. It is going to the battlefield itself. So, over time, we have to quickly gear up towards incorporating the AI solutions into the defence domain."
A Global Platform for Responsible Tech
The comments came during the India-AI Impact Summit 2026, a major event designed to shape the future of responsible technology. The summit focuses on three main pillars: People, Planet, and Progress. These pillars guide discussions on everything from skilling the workforce to creating energy-efficient technology and boosting economic growth.
The event has brought together seven thematic working groups co-chaired by representatives from both the Global North and South. Their goal is to present concrete outcomes, such as proposals for shared computing infrastructure and trusted AI tools.
Beyond defence, the summit is also addressing how indigenous AI solutions can support farmers, small businesses, and startups. Sessions are covering vital topics including data protection, ethical use, and India’s approach to "sovereign AI"—ensuring that the foundational models driving the country's growth are built, owned, and secured within its own borders.
With Agency Inputs & Image Source: ANI
