India Leads in Ethical Use of Autonomous Def-Tech!

As nations worldwide debate emerging military technologies, the Indian Army distinguishes itself through a careful balance of innovation and ethical accountability. Among the most debated military advancements today are Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems (LAWS)-advanced systems capable of independently identifying and engaging targets without direct human intervention. As countries worldwide debate the ethics of deploying such technology, India has proactively taken a balanced and principled stance, prioritising national security alongside humanitarian values.

The global ethical discourse on LAWS primarily revolves around concerns regarding autonomous decision-making in life-and-death scenarios. Critics argue that delegating lethal decisions to machines might undermine accountability, raise humanitarian risks, and potentially breach international humanitarian law (IHL). Conversely, proponents highlight how these systems could significantly enhance precision, reduce collateral damage, and safeguard soldiers' lives in combat.

This debate holds substantial practical implications for India, home to the second-largest military globally. Facing diverse security threats ranging from border tensions with neighbouring countries to persistent counterterrorism challenges, the Indian Army views autonomous technologies not as an option but as a strategic necessity. However, India has made it abundantly clear that its pursuit of military innovation is deeply intertwined with an ethical and responsible outlook.

This responsible approach was exemplified by India's Defence Ministry in 2024, which conducted detailed pilot studies on autonomous systems. Such efforts were built upon earlier initiatives by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), notably the Muntra series of unmanned ground vehicles first introduced in 2017. Muntra variants-Muntra-S for surveillance, Muntra-M for mine detection, and Muntra-N for reconnaissance-have been validated through rigorous trials under challenging conditions, such as at the Mahajan Field Firing Range in Rajasthan.

India's balanced approach to LAWS extends beyond national borders. Indian policymakers have actively contributed to shaping ethical standards through the United Nations Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons (CCW), notably by chairing the Group of Governmental Experts (GGE) in 2017 and 2018. During these discussions, India helped establish eleven guiding principles emphasising human accountability, responsibility, and compliance with international humanitarian law (IHL), reflecting India's consistent advocacy for balancing military necessity with humanitarian concerns.

India further demonstrated its strategic consistency in 2023 by voting against a UN General Assembly resolution to establish parallel regulatory discussions on LAWS. India's vote reaffirmed its commitment to a unified, technology-neutral framework within the CCW to avoid fragmented and potentially conflicting international standards, ensuring ethical rigour without stifling technological innovation.

Operational realities further shows India's careful integration of autonomous technologies. With over 4,000 km of contentious borders and significant internal security challenges, the Army's adoption of autonomous systems is driven by practical necessity. In 2024, the Indian Army successfully deployed drone swarms comprising over 500 units in extensive exercises, significantly enhancing surveillance and operational efficiency without transitioning to fully autonomous lethal capabilities. Similarly, robot sentries positioned along the Line of Control (LoC) since 2023 have notably decreased infiltration attempts by approximately 15%, strictly operating under human direction.

India's investment in autonomous technologies also highlights its rising indigenous defence capabilities. The DRDO's Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (CAIR) is spearheading initiatives such as the Autonomous Underwater Vehicle, scheduled for deployment in 2026 to bolster maritime security. With the defence budget increasing to $78.7 billion in 2025-a 10% rise from the previous year-India's defence ecosystem fosters innovation and self-reliance under the "Make in India" initiative.

Ultimately, India's careful balance between technological advancement and ethical considerations positions it as a global model for responsibly integrating autonomous weapons. By ensuring human accountability and adhering to rigorous ethical standards, the Indian Army demonstrates leadership in shaping a future where innovation and humanitarian values coexist harmoniously.

(Ashu Maan is an Associate Fellow at the Centre for Land Warfare Studies. He is currently pursuing his PhD from Amity University, Noida, in Defence and Strategic Studies.)