Empowering India’s Defence: DRDO DG Chandrika Kaushik Urges Strong Push for Indigenous AI Innovation!
Chandrika Kaushik, the Director General of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), emphasized the urgent necessity for indigenous artificial intelligence (AI) solutions within India’s defense sector. During a recent conversation with ANI, she articulated that reliance on foreign-developed AI models for critical military operations poses significant risks, underscoring the importance of trustworthiness in the systems being adopted.
Kaushik pointed out that AI is increasingly permeating various sectors, significantly improving daily tasks, including education, problem-solving, and solution development. “Students, teachers, and professionals are tapping into AI solutions for quick answers and effective presentations, but most of these systems originate from abroad,” she remarked, highlighting the need for homegrown innovations.
The director commended the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and the Government of India’s efforts to unite stakeholders in bolstering the country’s AI ecosystem. She referred to the ongoing India-AI Impact Summit 2026 as “the way to go,” describing it as a vital platform for collaboration aimed at fostering reliable and indigenous AI capabilities.
Kaushik detailed that the DRDO has already established two crucial frameworks. The first, the Evaluating Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence (ETAI) framework, is designed to enhance resilience in AI-enabled systems. The second framework provides guidelines for the validation and verification of AI solutions, thus offering developers in the field a structured method to follow.
“We are integrating AI into almost every solution we are developing, wherever data is available for analysis,” she stated, revealing that AI applications are increasingly aligning with operational environments. “AI is now reaching the edge, extending even into the battlefield. It is essential for us to enhance our efforts in incorporating AI solutions into the defense domain swiftly,” she concluded.
The India-AI Impact Summit 2026 aims to facilitate meaningful discourse on responsible AI governance, innovation ecosystems, digital public infrastructure, climate-conscious technology, and equitable access to emerging technologies. Designed as a key global platform, the summit seeks to create a forward-thinking agenda for inclusive, responsible, and impactful AI that transcends high-level discussions and delivers actionable outcomes to promote economic growth and social development.
Structured around three core pillars-People, Planet, and Progress-the summit will focus on employment, skills development, sustainable AI practices, and broader economic and social advancements. Seven thematic working groups, featuring co-chairs from both the Global North and South, will present tangible deliverables such as proposals for AI Commons, trusted AI tools, shared computational infrastructure, and sector-specific AI use cases.
Participants will have opportunities to explore how AI is reshaping various professions and industries, the evolving skill sets demanded by the job market, and the potential for startups to connect with investors and partners. Additionally, sessions will address crucial topics such as AI safety, governance, ethical usage, data protection, and the development of indigenous foundation models tailored for strategic sectors.
As India drives toward a robust AI future, the implications for defense and beyond are significant, paving the way for more secure, effective, and homegrown technological solutions.
Original Source: https://www.business-standard.com/external-affairs-defence-security/news/drdo-dg-chandrika-kaushik-stresses-need-for-indigenous-ai-in-defence-sector-126021700571_1.html
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Publish Date: 2026-02-17 14:54:00
