India’s AI journey has gained momentum with the government’s India AI Mission, a cornerstone of its digital transformation agenda
As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes increasingly central to global advancements, India’s efforts to integrate AI into its national framework are met with a mix of enthusiasm and caution. Speaking with *ETV Bharat*, Professor Charru Malhotra, an expert in e-governance and ICT at the Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA), shed light on the country’s ambitious AI initiatives and the pressing need to address the accompanying cybersecurity challenges.
India’s AI Mission: Progress & Investments
India’s AI journey has gained momentum with the government’s India AI Mission, a cornerstone of its digital transformation agenda. Backed by a significant allocation of Rs 10,300 crore in the Union Budget, the mission focuses on building computational infrastructure, fostering innovation, and establishing Centres of Excellence for AI development.
“The government has significantly focused on developing AI technology, ensuring that India is not left behind in the global race. The AI mission is a robust effort, with investment directed towards capacity building, infrastructure development, and the application of AI in government processes,” Malhotra stated.
In addition to infrastructure, the government is prioritising skills development. The Future Skills Prime programme, a collaboration between the Ministry of Electronics and NASSCOM, aims to prepare students for the tech industry by enhancing their digital capabilities. Complementing this is the Visheshwar PhD Scheme, offering grants of Rs 5 lakh for AI-focused doctoral studies, further supporting the creation of a skilled workforce to drive the nation’s AI ambitions.
Cybersecurity Concerns In AI-Driven World
While AI offers transformative potential, it also brings considerable risks, particularly in cybersecurity. Malhotra highlighted the dual nature of AI as both a defence mechanism and a tool for malicious activities.
“AI has a dual role in cybersecurity,” Malhotra explained. “It can be used to predict and defend against cyber threats, but it can also be weaponised by malicious actors to create sophisticated cyberattacks. We must be prepared for this.”
She pointed out that cybercriminals are already leveraging AI to generate malicious codes, conduct SQL injections, and manipulate data. Organisations handling sensitive information are particularly vulnerable, underscoring the need for stringent cybersecurity measures.
An SQL injection, for example, involves inserting harmful SQL queries through client data to exploit system vulnerabilities. Malhotra stressed the importance of robust safeguards to protect infrastructure and data.
Individual Vulnerabilities & Digital Footprints
As AI-driven cybercrime evolves, individual users face heightened risks. Malhotra cautioned against oversharing on social media, which can expose users to open-source intelligence (OSINT)-based attacks.
“Once information is posted online, it can never be fully erased. Even if the data appears deleted, it often remains in cloud storage, available for exploitation,” she warned.
She advised individuals to avoid revealing sensitive information, such as travel plans or personal possessions, on social platforms, as this data can be exploited by cybercriminals.
The Legal Gap & Global Context
Pavan Duggal, a leading cyber law expert, echoed Malhotra’s concerns, describing the current era as the “golden age of cybercrime.” He highlighted the growing prevalence of AI-driven cyberattacks and the lack of comprehensive legal frameworks to address them.
“India needs to urgently address this gap in its legal framework,” Duggal stated, pointing to countries like China that have implemented targeted laws against cybercriminal activities. He also cited the global absence of international treaties on cybersecurity, which exacerbates the issue.
He referenced the misuse of AI in creating deepfake content, such as a manipulated video showing Prime Minister Narendra Modi performing the Garba dance. While such videos may appear harmless, they demonstrate AI’s potential to manipulate public perception and spread disinformation.
Balancing Innovation & Security
India’s AI aspirations require a careful balance between innovation and security. Both Malhotra and Duggal emphasised the need for an evolved cybersecurity framework to address emerging challenges. This includes not only regulatory enhancements but also heightened awareness among individuals and organisations about digital security.
As the government continues its investments in AI, it must ensure these efforts are accompanied by robust safeguards. By addressing security risks proactively, India can secure its digital transformation while harnessing the full potential of AI.
The road ahead for India’s AI journey is promising but fraught with challenges. A strategic focus on innovation, capacity building, and cybersecurity will be essential to achieve a secure and sustainable digital future.
