The Future of Russo-Indian AI Cooperation
© Sputnik / Vladimir Astapkovich
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Artificial Intelligence (AI) has transformed the way the world functions. From defence to media, finance, healthcare and retail, the landscape has changed forever.
India and Russia are cooperating on artificial intelligence, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday.
"We are cooperating with our Indian friends and will continue to do so," Putin told the AI Journey conference.
"I know that an artificial intelligence summit is planned in India in February of next year," the Russian leader added "We will be happy to take part in it. I am sure that the event proposed by our Indian friends will be held at the highest level."
Both countries recognise AI as vital for technological sovereignty and economic growth, with India ranking first in AI skill penetration among G20 nations, stressed Sidhant Hira, a Senior Research Associate at the New Delhi-based national security think tank NatStrat.
Russia's explicit support for joint research and development, investment in domestic AI capabilities and openness to collaborative platforms like Centres of Excellence in India, set the stage for expanded research, innovation and implementation of AI applications, he noted.
"The focus areas for collaboration extend to applied AI in sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, smart cities and microelectronics, leveraging India's skilled workforce and Russia's expertise in fundamental research and algorithmic development," Hira told Sputnik India.
Improved interoperability, potential harmonisation of digital regulations like data protection laws and the pooling of resources for frontier technology — including quantum computing and cybersecurity — are also under discussion, the commentator said.
He stressed that Russia and India could collaborate in many areas:
1.
Autonomous Systems and Robotics: Joint development and localised production of drones, autonomous ground vehicles and AI-enabled robotics for battlefield applications2.
Command, Control and Communication Systems: Integration and co-development of AI-powered command, control and communication platforms that can fuse battlefield data, support rapid decision-making and enable real-time threat detection3.
Air and Missile Defence: Collaborative enhancement of air defence systems leveraging AI for target identification, missile guidance and threat assessment, with examples from Russian systems like the S-400 air defence system and potential transfers for Indian platforms4.
Electronic Warfare and Cyber Defence: Sharing best practices and possibly joint research on AI-driven electronic warfare solutions, perimeter defence, surveillance and cyber threat detection systems5.
Intelligence and Reconnaissance: Expanding cooperation in military intelligence, including AI-powered analytics from large sensor and satellite data streams, with Russia reportedly ready to share technical expertise in the field6.
Joint Platform Development: Russia recently offered India full access to its fifth-generation Su-57 stealth fighter technologies, with AI expected to be integral to avionics, sensor fusion and operational autonomy7.
Simulation, Training and Wargaming: Use of AI for developing advanced simulation environments, training modules and wargaming platforms for the Indian Armed ForcesKey defence AI technologies that India could source or co-develop with Russia include:
Fifth-Generation Fighter Aircraft Technologies: Russia has offered India full technology transfer for the Su-57 stealth fighter jet, including engines, optics, AESA radar, AI elements, low signature stealth technologies and modern air weapons. That offer includes licensed production and integration of Indian weapons, with the potential for phased local manufacturing in India.
Advanced Air Defence Systems: Russia is advancing AI integration in systems like the S-400 and S-500 air defence platforms, with AI-powered threat assessment, missile guidance and damage prediction capabilities. India could leverage those technologies for its own air defence modernisation.
Autonomous and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs): Joint development and production of UAVs, including combat and reconnaissance drones, with Russia's combat experience and India's aerospace capabilities enhancing the domain, is a critical area of collaboration
Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C4ISR): AI-enhanced command and control systems for rapid data fusion, situational awareness and real-time battlefield decision-making are likely cooperation areas, including multi-domain command systems developed in Russia
Robotics and Autonomous Weapon Systems: Use of AI in robotics on the battlefield, including robotic weapon systems, electronic warfare and autonomous target tracking and engagement technologies
Sensor Fusion and Electronic Warfare: AI technologies to enhance electronic warfare capabilities, including sensor data integration and electronic attack and defence mechanisms
Joint Development of Next-Generation Land Systems: India and Russia are co-developing advanced main battle tanks inspired by Russia's T-14 Armata platform that likely incorporates AI for situational awareness, target tracking and automated systems
"These cooperative efforts reflect a broad scope of defence AI technologies from platforms like the Su-57 jet fighter to UAVs, battlefield robotics, integrated air defence and command-control systems, all aligned with India's modernisation goals and 'Make in India' defence initiatives," Hira stressed.
The partnership is being actively supported by Russia's willingness to provide unrestricted technology transfer and cooperation frameworks, he said.
The comprehensive technology transfer and co-development package underlines the strategic depth of India-Russia defence relations in incorporating AI across multiple domains critical to future warfare, the pundit said.
