Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Highlights AI’s Revolutionary Potential for Military Operations

During the 62nd National Defence College Course Convocation Ceremony on Saturday, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized that Artificial Intelligence (AI) could transform military operations, highlighting its capabilities in predictive analytics and autonomous decision-making systems. He urged the attendees, future leaders, to understand how to effectively leverage this technology.

In today’s interconnected environment, Singh stressed the importance of military leaders having a solid understanding of geopolitics, international relations, and the intricacies of global security alliances. “The decisions made by military leaders can have significant repercussions that extend beyond the battlefield, influencing diplomacy, economics, and international law. Therefore, strategic learning in these areas is essential,” he remarked.

Referring to Israel’s recent hacking of Hezbollah communication systems, Singh noted the unprecedented threats we face, pointing out that everyday technologies could be weaponized. “The prospect of our adversaries exploiting these capabilities is a stark reminder of the urgent need to prepare for such scenarios,” he stated.

The National Defence College (NDC) in New Delhi is a premier institution for Defence and Strategic Studies in India. Each year, the NDC Course is attended by around 100 officers of the rank of Brigadier and equivalent from the Indian Armed Forces, along with Joint Secretary-level officers from civil, police, and allied services. Officers from approximately 25 friendly foreign nations also participate in the program. NDC alumni often rise to high-ranking positions in both the armed forces and government, both in India and internationally.

Additionally, the one-year course qualifies officers for an M.Phil. degree in Defence and Strategic Studies from the esteemed University of Madras in Chennai.