AI in the military: Path to ethical and strategic leadership
To ensure ethical oversight, the DRDO launched the ETAI framework for evaluating trustworthy AI. At its essence, the framework aims to tackle difficult questions such as legality, safety, and human control, right from the start of a system's development and through its lifecycle.
The framework is modular, incorporating internal ethical assessments and formalised reviews based on the risk level of the technology. DRDO's goal here is to entrench responsibility into every stage of AI development and not treat it as an afterthought.
The ETAI framework stands on five key pillars: Reliability, safety, transparency, fairness, and privacy:
Reliability: System performance needs to be accurate, even in chaotic or unfamiliar battlefield scenarios.
Safety: Guardrails against unintended consequences, particularly with autonomous machines.
Transparency: Human commanders should have the ability trace and understand decision chains.
Fairness: Algorithmic biases should not influence critical decisions.
Privacy: Protects sensitive data from unauthorised access.
The more autonomous and impactful an AI system is, the more rigorous its review. For example, a chatbot used for internal training would not require the same oversight as a drone with live targeting capabilities.
In 2021, NITI Aayog also laid out a framework that aligns AI development with India's constitutional ethos, in particular Article 14 (Right to equality) and 21 (Right to life and personal liberty). The seven principles it emphasised are:
* Safety and reliability
* Equality
* Inclusivity and non-discrimination
* Privacy and security
* Transparency
* Accountability
* Reinforcement of positive human values
Although originally aimed at civilian sectors like health care, these principles are just as relevant for defence. After all, the ethical implications of facial recognition, predictive analytics, and autonomous systems remain just as relevant to military use.
While the policy framed by DRDO and Niti Aayog appears to be robust and well—thought out, turning paper policy into practice is where the real challenge lies. Since these principles lack legal enforceability, co-ordination between agencies and ethical AI frameworks remains limited. As a result, many projects operate in silos, making comprehensive ethical oversight a challenge.
More recently (in 2024), MeitY launched the IndiaAI Mission with over ₹10,000 crore in funding. This is meant to support researchers and companies who need heavy compute power for AI training. A big part of this initiative is (Artificial Intelligence Research, Analytics, and Knowledge Assimilation Platform (AIRAWAT), a public compute cloud designed to support India's AI needs, especially for startups and public agencies. In practice, AIRAWAT provides a cloud platform where developers can access massive computational power for training AI models. This can be directly beneficial for defence applications such as simulation training, image intelligence analysis, or building large language models for military use, which require supercomputing resources.
While the ministry of defence, MeitY, and NITI Aayog are all making strides, their efforts are largely siloed. India needs a unified platform to align goals, streamline operations, and ensure ethical consistency.
Key recommendations include:
Setting up of a Defence AI Regulatory Authority with clear legal powers
Making ethical and risk-based assessments mandatory in all defence AI procurements
Expand AIRAWAT-like infrastructure specifically for secure military testing environments
Build structured collaboration between DRDO, MeitY, and NITI Aayog
It is clear that India has laid the foundation for responsible AI use in defence. It now needs to bring it all together. As countries in the Global South look for models that balance innovation with ethics, India has an opportunity to lead—not just by building powerful tools, but by using them wisely and lawfully.
This article is authored by Zain Pandit, partner and Aashna Nahar, associate, JSA Advocates and Solicitors.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
32 minutes ago
- Time of India
Palo Alto's bold $25B CyberArk deal sparks AI-era cyber defense; but stock plunges 8% — is Wall Street missing the big picture?
How did the stock market react to the news? Live Events Palo Alto's $25 billion CyberArk deal signals a major shift in cybersecurity strategy What are the details of the CyberArk acquisition? CyberArk shareholders will receive $45 in cash and 2.2005 shares of Palo Alto Networks stock for each CyberArk share they hold. will receive and for each CyberArk share they hold. This values CyberArk shares at a 26% premium over their 10-day average as of July 25. over their 10-day average as of July 25. The transaction is expected to close in the second half of Palo Alto's fiscal year 2026, pending regulatory approvals and shareholder consent. Wall Street sees long-term growth despite short-term concerns A strategic shift into identity security to meet AI-era challenges Why Palo Alto is betting big on identity security with CyberArk AI-driven threats push cybersecurity companies to consolidate power How the deal impacts investors, customers, and the cybersecurity market Experts call it a strategic home run amid growing demand for zero-trust solutions What's next for Palo Alto Networks and CyberArk after the merger Palo Alto's platform strategy gets a major boost A bold bet on the future of cybersecurity FAQs: (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel Palo Alto Networks has just made its boldest move yet—acquiring CyberArk in a staggering $25 billion deal that could redefine the future of AI-powered identity security. As digital threats evolve faster than ever in the age of artificial intelligence, this acquisition signals Palo Alto's aggressive push to dominate the next frontier of cyber defense: protecting human and machine identities. But while the company sets its sights on long-term transformation, Wall Street had a different reaction—sending Palo Alto's stock down over 8% in a single the strategic vision behind the deal, Wall Street wasn't immediately Alto Networks (PANW) shares dropped sharply—falling over 8% to around $177, marking one of its steepest single-day declines this year. Some analysts pointed to the hefty price tag and potential integration risks, while others questioned the timing amid slowing cybersecurity CyberArk (CYBR) shares also saw a dip after an initial jump, settling around $422, down nearly 3% by midday sharp market reaction raises the question: Is Wall Street too focused on short-term costs, and missing the long-term value this merger could unlock?Despite the short-term dip, analysts note this is typical market behavior following large acquisitions, especially those involving mixed cash and equity. Many expect Palo Alto's stock to recover as the long-term benefits—like revenue growth and platform expansion—kick Alto Networks is buying CyberArk, a global leader in privileged access management (PAM) and identity security, in a landmark deal valued at. The acquisition includes aand 2.2005 Palo Alto shares per CyberArk share, offering a roughlyover CyberArk's recent average trading deal, expected to close in the second half of Palo Alto's fiscal year 2026, is more than just a financial transaction—it's a major strategic leap into the growing market for identity-first cybersecurity, which is becoming critical in the AI-driven digital deal, announced July 30, includes a mix of cash and stock valued at approximately $25 is by far Palo Alto's largest acquisition—a clear signal that the company is positioning itself as the dominant force in AI-powered identity deal values CyberArk at apremium over its 10-day volume-weighted average price, signaling strong confidence from Palo Alto in CyberArk's role in reshaping the future of security. Market analysts believe the deal will be accretive to Palo Alto's gross margins and revenue immediately, and positive for free cash flow by 2028, once cost synergies and integrations are fully shareholders, this means a temporary shake-up, but also a potentially massive payoff if Palo Alto successfully positions itself as the go-to platform for end-to-end AI cybersecurity and identity core reason behind the deal? The growing urgency to secure digital identities—both human and machine—in an AI-powered world. CyberArk is a leader in privileged access management (PAM) and identity-first security, two areas that are now central to preventing modern acquisition gives Palo Alto Networks a firm foothold in zero-trust security, which is quickly becoming the standard in enterprise environments. Together, the companies aim to create a comprehensive platform that addresses threats from every angle—cloud, endpoint, network, and acquisition isn't just about expansion—it's about transformation. CyberArk's platform offers top-tier identity security tools that protect both human and machine identities across cloud, hybrid, and on-premise environments. As AI technologies become more prevalent, attackers are increasingly targeting machine identities, making CyberArk's capabilities more valuable than acquiring CyberArk, Palo Alto Networks will now be able to secure the entire digital identity chain—from users to endpoints to workloads—creating a fully integrated, AI-aware cybersecurity the rise of artificial intelligence, automation, and deepfakes, traditional security tools are no longer enough. The integration of CyberArk's privileged access tools into Palo Alto's portfolio gives the combined company a competitive edge in fighting new-age move mirrors other large-scale security consolidations in 2025, such as Alphabet's $32 billion acquisition of Wiz, and shows how tech giants are rapidly merging tools to build platform-based security solutions that are smarter, faster, and more markets responded quickly., while, reflecting investor caution about integration risks and short-term dilution. However, Palo Alto executives emphasized that the deal would be accretive to revenue and gross margins immediately, and positive for free cash flow by fiscal customers, this means a seamless security experience—with Palo Alto now able to offer firewalls, endpoint protection, cloud security, and identity management all under one umbrella. It also positions the company as a strong rival to Microsoft, Cisco, and Okta in the race for end-to-end cybersecurity analysts are calling the deal a 'strategic home run,' especially as more organizations shift to zero-trust architecture—an approach that assumes no user or device is trustworthy without constant verification. CyberArk's solutions are a key pillar in this acquisition is expected to strengthen Palo Alto's push into zero-trust identity and access management, a space that's projected to explode in demand as businesses worldwide tighten their security perimeters in response to data breaches, ransomware attacks, and AI-driven the deal is finalized, CyberArk will become a critical arm of Palo Alto's identity security operations. Leadership from both firms is expected to collaborate closely to accelerate innovation, expand global market reach, and drive adoption of next-gen security Palo Alto, this move cements its evolution from a firewall-focused company into a comprehensive cybersecurity platform leader. For CyberArk, it means more resources, deeper integration, and broader impact on securing digital identities in every corner of the connected the past few years, Palo Alto Networks has gradually shifted from being known mainly for firewalls to becoming a cloud-native, AI-enhanced security platform. This deal marks the next step in that journey, giving it powerful identity tools to complete its with recent moves by tech giants like Google's acquisition of Wiz, the market is clearly heading toward platform consolidation—and Palo Alto's move ensures it won't be left behind in this $25 billion CyberArk acquisition may have sparked short-term volatility in Palo Alto's stock, but many believe it's a long-term win. With identity security becoming a central pillar of digital defense in the age of AI, this deal positions Palo Alto Networks as a dominant force ready to lead the next chapter of cybersecurity expand into identity security and fight AI-powered cyber threats with a stronger Alto Networks acquired CyberArk for $25 billion in cash and stock.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Infosys allays layoff fears; Freshworks cuts losses by 91%
Infosys allays layoff fears; Freshworks cuts losses by 91% Also in the letter: Infosys to hire 20,000 grads in FY26 amid IT job loss fears Setting context: Tell me more: The company has trained 275,000 employees in AI so far. Productivity has jumped 5–15% in software development, with even higher gains in support functions. Its Finacle platform, blending AI tools with human oversight, has delivered a 20% boost. Parekh insists that people remain central to Infosys' growth, stating that human expertise is critical, especially for complex and integrated systems. What's next: Also Read: Freshworks posts strong Q2, lifts full-year forecast What's driving it: AI is central: Other highlights: Customers paying over $5,000 in ARR rose 10% year-on-year to 23,975. Total customers exceeded 74,000 across 120+ countries. Net dollar retention stood at 106%. Also Read: Sponsor ETtech Top 5 & Morning Dispatch! Why it matters: The opportunity: Reach a highly engaged audience of decision-makers. Boost your brand's visibility among the tech-savvy community. Custom sponsorship options to align with your brand's goals. What's next: MS Dhoni backs new-age insurer Acko, joins as brand face Driving the news: The pull: Go Digit counts Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma as both investors and brand ambassadors. With Dhoni now on Acko's roster, two former India captains are effectively facing off in the insurance market. Strategic signal: Sharpsell raises Rs 30 crore to scale AI-led sales Tell me more: MeitY flags underperformance in PLI fund utilisation Where it stands: MeitY had Rs 16,549 crore to spend but managed to use only Rs 12,847 crore. The biggest shortfall came from semiconductor and display manufacturing incentives. Fund release is tied to companies meeting strict milestones, which MeitY says is 'beyond its control.' Also Read: What's being done: Big picture: Also Read: Indian electronics firms go global to win Western clients Driving the news: What's happening: Following suit: Syrma SGS, Dixon Technologies, Kaynes, and Cyient are inking deals in the US, Austria, Germany, and South Korea. Calcom Vision has pivoted to exports, with two US firms already auditing its new lighting and ceiling fan facility. Infosys confirmed plans to hire thousands, even as the IT sector stares at a spate of layoffs. This and more in today's ETtech Top 5.■ MSD dons investor cap■ Surplus PLI sops■ Indian makers look westInfosys CEO Salil ParekhEven as India's IT sector tightens its belt, Infosys is moving in the other direction. CEO Salil Parekh says the company will hire around 20,000 college graduates in FY26, after onboarding 17,000 in the first quarter move comes against a grim backdrop. TCS recently announced it would shed more than 12,000 roles , the largest layoff by an Indian IT firm to date. Industry body Nasscom has warned of a fresh wave of 'workforce rationalisation' as automation, cloud-native delivery, and changing client demands reshape the however, is betting on a different playbook: automation paired with aggressive salary hikes for Q4 and Q1 completed, the next round of compensation will be announced 'at the right time.' For now, Infosys' mix of reskill, automate, and still hire, offers a rare note of optimism in a cautious IT Woodside, CEO, FreshworksFreshworks delivered a solid June quarter , with revenue climbing 18% year-on-year to $204.7 million. Net loss narrowed sharply to $1.7 million from $20.1 million a year ago, as the Nasdaq-listed software-as-a-service (SaaS) firm tightened costs and captured higher-value clients. The company also nudged up its full-year revenue forecast to $822.9–828.9 Chennai- and San Mateo-based firm is riding momentum in the mid-market and enterprise segments, which now contribute over 60% of annual recurring revenue (ARR). Operating expenses dipped 4% year-on-year, while non-GAAP operating income surged to $44.8 Dennis Woodwide stated that businesses are gravitating toward Freshworks for 'AI-powered customer and employee experiences.' It's Freddy suite, including Freddy Copolot and the new Agent Studio, has crossed $20 million in said its diversified customer base and minimal sector exposure help buffer risks, including potential US tariff Top 5 and Morning Dispatch are must-reads for India's tech and business leaders, including startup founders, investors, policy makers, industry insiders and Reach out to us at spotlightpartner@ to explore sponsorship Insurance CEO Varun Dua with MS DhoniFormer Indian cricket captain MS Dhoni has invested in digital insurer Acko via his family office, Midas Deals, and will also serve as its brand ambassador. Acko described the partnership as 'strategic' but did not disclose the investment said Acko's 'tech-first, customer-centric' model reflects how a new India wants to engage with insurance: fast, digital, and frictionless. Acko currently serves over 70 million users and handles around two million claims annually across motor, health, and move comes as celebrity power reshapes the insurtech Acko, the celebrity tie-up is aimed at deepening customer trust and expanding digital distribution. The push coincides with improving regulatory clarity in insurance, as direct-to-consumer (D2C) sonumer platforms race to capture India's online-first Kamma, cofounder, Sharpsell AIAI-led sales enablement startup Sharpsell has raised Rs 30 crore , including Rs 10 crore from Equentis Angfel Fund – its largest single-company bet yet. It previously secured funding from Cornerstone Venture Partners and Mistry Venture, among provides AI-personalised sales content and updates, synthetic data-backed training for sales teams, and sector-specific solutions across BFSI, auto, consumer electronics and pharma. The platform already counts a few lakh IT ministry returned Rs 1,574 crore from its FY24 budget for production-linked incentive (PLI) and chip manufacturing schemes, blaming slow progress by participating companies . A parliamentary panel was unimpressed, calling the ministry's explanation 'not understandable' and urging it to take greater responsibility for ministry has informed the panel that it has scaled down budget estimates to match actual capacity. The committee, however, wants stronger coordination and tighter monitoring to prevent chronic episode highlights the gap between India's big-ticket tech ambitions and the execution challenges of its PLI and semiconductor push. As the country races to build a domestic electronics manufacturing ecosystem, the credibility of these incentive schemes will face sharper contract manufacturers are venturing abroad, snapping up overseas companies to tap into Western customer global supply chains shift away from China, these firms are using acquisitions and partnerships to break into high-value sectors like defence, aerospace, and industrial Group is leading the charge, spending over Rs 400 crore for a controlling stake in Israel-based Unitronics. The deal gives Amber both the certifications and direct access to Western defence clients that would otherwise take years to rush abroad comes as tariff uncertainty reshapes sourcing strategies. Yet, analysts warn that frequent reinvestment may test patience. 'Returns are being deferred,' said one expert, highlighting investor unease over slow payoffs.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Meta's year of bold 'superintelligence' bets unlikely to pump profits
It's crunch time for Mark Zuckerberg as he pulls out all the stops to stay relevant in Silicon Valley's intensifying advanced artificial intelligence race. The Meta CEO has sparked a billion-dollar talent war, aggressively poaching researchers from rivals including OpenAI . But as Meta's spending rises, so does the pressure it faces to deliver returns. For the second quarter, though, Wall Street is bracing for disappointment as the company is set to report its slowest profit growth in two years on Wednesday, rising by 11.5% to $15.01 billion, as operating costs jump nearly 9%. Revenue, too, likely grew at its slowest pace in seven quarters in that period, up an expected 14.7% to $44.80 billion, according to an average analyst estimate from LSEG. While Zuckerberg is no stranger to high-stakes pursuits - Meta's augmented-reality unit has burned more than $60 billion since 2020 - his latest push comes with added urgency because of the underwhelming performance of the company's large language Llama 4 model. He recently pledged hundreds of billions of dollars to build massive AI data centers and shelled out $14.3 billion for a stake in startup Scale AI , poaching its 28-year-old billionaire CEO Alexandr Wang, even as Meta continued to lay off people. Investors have largely backed Zuckerberg's frenzied pursuit of superintelligence - a hypothetical concept where AI surpasses human intelligence in every possible way - pushing the company's stock up more than a fifth so far this year. But they will watch if Meta further increases its capital expenditure for the year after boosting it in April. Alphabet also upped the ante last week, increasing its annual capex forecast by 13% to $85 billion due to surging demand for its AI-powered Google Cloud services. "We view rising capex as positive given... Meta can become a one-stop shop for many marketing departments," said Ben Barringer, head of technology research at Quilter Cheviot, which holds Meta shares. Lagging efforts from Alphabet's Google DeepMind and OpenAI, Meta launched a Superintelligence Lab last month that will work in parallel to Meta AI, the company's established AI research division, led by deep learning pioneer, Yann LeCun. To differentiate its efforts, Zuckerberg has promised to release Meta's AI work as open source and touted that superintelligence can become a mainstream consumer product through devices like Ray-Ban Meta smartglasses , rather than a purely enterprise-focused technology. The strategy plays to Meta's strengths, analysts say, pointing to its more than 3-billion strong social media user base and engagement gains in recent years, driven by AI-enhanced content targeting. Still, Meta's mainstay advertising market is under threat from advertisers pulling back spending in the face of President Donald Trump's tariffs, and tough competition from Chinese-owned TikTok , whose U.S. ban now seems unlikely. Some advertisers may have leaned on proven platforms such as Meta amid the uncertainty, but that will not shield the company from questions over its superintelligence ambitions and how they fit into its broader business strategy, said Minda Smiley, senior analyst at eMarketer. "While Meta has seen massive gains from incorporating AI into its ad platform and algorithms, its attempts to directly compete with the likes of OpenAI are proving to be more challenging while costing it billions of dollars." Questions remain about when superintelligence can be achieved, a timeline Zuckerberg admits is uncertain. Meta's LeCun is also a known skeptic of the large language model path to superintelligence. "Meta's AI strategy today is more cohesive than in 2023, but there's still a sense the company is still searching for direction," MoffettNathanson analysts said.
