Emerging Technologies, mainly the Internet of Things (IOT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), drones, autonomous weapon systems (AWS), robotics, and hypersonic missiles, are the dominant development of the century as major powers are pursuing them to enhance their supremacy in the international system.   South Asia is no exception, as emerging technologies are shaping South Asia’s security landscape. India is also integrating emerging technologies into its defense systems, which has implications for the Strategic Stability of the region.

India is integrating AI into its defense system—Army, Navy, and Air Force, to enhance its warfare capabilities Under the ‘strategic implementation of AI for National security and defense’ in 2019, the Indian Department of Defense established the Defense AI Council (DAIC) and the Defense AI Project Agency (DAIPA) to provide AI-based transformation within the Indian military and defense system.

Substantively, the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO), in 1958, formed the Centre for AI and Robotics(CAIR) to heighten the technological capabilities of Indian defense for improved combat tactics. In 2018, the National Institution for Transforming India (NITI Aayog) declared to transform the defense system of India through AI incorporation, causing the deployment of about 140 AI-based surveillance systems, mainly cameras, radar feeds, and sensors, along the Pakistan and China borders and technologies for atmosphere prediction, imagery analysis, drone-collision avoidance, and ship tracking.

In 2021, the Indian army facilitated 75 aerial drones with AI capabilities to enrich Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) competencies

Besides, India has also followed autonomous weapons systems in its defense system, such as drones, unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs), and autonomous fast intercept boats (AFIBs). The fundamental advancements in AWS include the Drishti-10 medium altitude long endurance (MALE), MQ-9B Reaper Drone, S-400 anti-ballistic Missile defense (BMD) system, and the remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS). In 2021, the Indian army facilitated 75 aerial drones with AI capabilities to enrich Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) competencies. Consequently, AI plays a major role in cyberwarfare and electronic warfare by providing cyber defense against malicious software and adversary attacks.

These technological advancements are based on the IOT capabilities, which enable them to be connected and perform tasks. Therefore, the drones, sensors, autonomous weapons, and other modern weapons in the Indian Defense use IOT for their operation. Similarly, India is deploying robotics technologies for various purposes, mainly continuous surveillance, effective patrolling in dangerous areas, automated threat detection, communication systems, and reduced human resource dependence. Substantially, India is also pursuing high-range missile technologies.

In November 2024, it tested a long-range, exceeding 1,500 km, domestically developed hypersonic missile, which placed it into the small group of countries, namely China, the US, and Russia, with advanced missile technologies. Likewise, in the same month, India launched its indigenous nuclear-capable K-4 missiles from INS Arighaat, a nuclear-powered submarine. Moreover, it tested its Phase-II Ballistic Missile in July 2024, which is a testament to India’s growing arsenal, both in terms of quantity and quality, of missile systems.

India is integrating the emerging technologies heavily into its defense system, through both indigenous efforts and global partnerships

Pakistan tested its Fatah-II rocket system, a small-range ballistic missile, and Shaheen-II, with a 2000 km range, in May2024 and August 2024, respectively. However, in December 2024, the US imposed sanctions on Pakistan’s missile systems under Executive Order 13382, which mentions the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their impact on the masses. Furthermore, Pakistan has relied on conventional force and nuclear deterrence while neglecting investments in the AI incorporation in its defense system. Also, Pakistan is a supporter of the ban on autonomous weapons systems, specifically in the Convention on the Use of Certain Conventional Weapons (CCW). Hence, India is integrating the emerging technologies heavily into its defense system, through both indigenous efforts and global partnerships, while Pakistan lags in terms of military technological developments.

The integration of emerging technologies in the defense system of India can impact South Asian strategic stability. Initially, by changing the balance of power between India and Pakistan, because of increased Indian capabilities, Pakistan’s threat perception against India increases, forcing Pakistan to build its defense capabilities.  Furthermore, the increased missile technologies of India can decrease deterrence between India and Pakistan. It can increase the first strike capabilities of India, allowing it to initiate an armed conflict against Pakistan. Similarly, the increased reliance of India on AI and AWS can decrease the chances of diplomacy and amicable conflict resolution measures between India and Pakistan. This in turn pushes them towards military confrontation.

Pakistan can engage diplomatically, specifically through confidence-building measures (CBMs) and arms control treaties, with India to address the security concerns posed by India’s technological growth

For Pakistan, to maintain a strategic balance with India, several steps need to be taken. Firstly, Pakistan should rationally increase its military capabilities through the integration of emerging technologies, mainly AI, AWS, and missile technologies, which will maintain the deterrence capabilities of Pakistan as well against its potential adversary, India. To increase its capabilities, Pakistan can adopt strategic partnerships and cooperation with powerful states, such as the US, China, and Russia. Moreover, Pakistan needs to focus on its economic growth to invest in modern technologies.

Also, Pakistan can engage diplomatically, specifically through confidence-building measures (CBMs) and arms control treaties, with India to address the security concerns posed by India’s technological growth.  Similarly, to address the ethical concerns of India’s increased technologies, Pakistan can engage in international forums and increase the pressure on India to engage in diplomatic talks for regional stability. Hence, through adopting these means, the strategic stability of South Asia can be maintained, avoiding both historical rivals from getting into a wider-scale conflict.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author. They do not represent the views, beliefs, or policies of the Stratheia.