The report called for targeted incentives, defence-tech startup support and stronger Public–private partnerships
India must act swiftly to support artificial intelligence for national security, a new report has warned, amid a sharp rise in cyberattacks and the growing strategic importance of AI in defence.
According to Nexgen Exhibitions, which surveyed more than 200 companies across 15 cities, 86 per cent of respondents said government backing was crucial to building AI capabilities for cybersecurity and border surveillance. The findings come at a time when India reported more than 2.3 million cybersecurity incidents in 2024, resulting in estimated financial losses of Rs 1,200 crore. India also ranked third globally for phishing attacks, behind the US and Russia.
The report called for targeted incentives, defence-tech startup support and stronger public–private partnerships. Although only 14 per cent of respondents favoured such collaborations, experts said they were essential for developing ethical, indigenous AI systems capable of addressing emerging national security threats.
It also pointed to the absence of a dedicated national framework for AI in defence, calling this a significant gap that could leave India vulnerable as global powers race ahead in military AI development.
The findings were released ahead of the 10th International Police Expo, which is set to take place in Delhi from 31 July to 1 August. The event is expected to serve as a platform for enhancing cooperation between security forces, technology providers and policymakers.
Analysts say that as threats evolve—from state-backed cyberattacks to autonomous warfare—India will need a forward-looking policy environment to responsibly integrate AI into its security infrastructure.
