A recent report by Nexgen Exhibitions has spotlighted the urgent need for significant government investment and policy-level support in Artificial Intelligence (AI) to bolster India’s cybersecurity and border protection. The report, based on a survey conducted across 15 cities involving over 200 companies, reveals that a resounding 86% of respondents believe proactive government action in AI is essential for strengthening national security.
India Urgently Needs AI Investment to Tackle Cyber and Border Threats
The findings come at a critical juncture when India faces increasing vulnerabilities in electronic warfare, cyberattacks, and information warfare. With digital threats evolving rapidly, AI is emerging as a powerful solution to safeguard national sovereignty and critical infrastructure.
Cybersecurity Concerns Mounting
India’s cybersecurity landscape has grown increasingly perilous. According to the report, more than 2.3 million cybersecurity incidents were recorded in the country in 2024 alone, resulting in an estimated financial loss of ₹1,200 crore. India also currently ranks third globally in phishing attacks, trailing only behind the United States and Russia. This spike in threats underscores the urgent need for a systemic overhaul in how the country approaches cybersecurity and defense.
Experts say that while digital transformation has opened doors to innovation and efficiency, it has simultaneously made national assets more susceptible to foreign and domestic cyber intrusions. From defense communication networks to public databases and critical infrastructure, India’s digital backbone is increasingly at risk.
AI as a Strategic Imperative
AI is being widely recognized not just as a tech innovation but as a strategic necessity. As cyber threats grow more sophisticated, conventional security measures often fall short. In this scenario, AI’s capability to process massive datasets, predict threats, and respond autonomously could redefine India’s defense paradigm.
“AI is no longer optional. It is the future of national defense,” the Nexgen report noted. “With the rise of electronic and information warfare, AI technologies can be leveraged for real-time threat detection, surveillance, predictive intelligence, and autonomous decision-making.”
Call for Government Intervention
The lack of a structured national AI policy specifically tailored for defense and internal security remains a significant hurdle. The report flagged the absence of a dedicated national AI security framework, which is necessary to create an environment of accountability, innovation, and resilience.
Survey respondents pointed out numerous policy gaps that need immediate attention. These include insufficient regulatory clarity, lack of AI-focused defense R&D, limited access to quality data for training models, and an underdeveloped ecosystem for AI startups in security tech.
Stakeholders are urging the government to take a more proactive role by incentivizing AI development through grants, tax breaks, and research support. They also emphasized the need for fast-tracked regulatory mechanisms that enable ethical and secure AI deployment in critical sectors such as defense, intelligence, border security, and law enforcement.
The Role of Public-Private Partnerships
Interestingly, around 14% of survey respondents expressed strong support for Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) to bridge the innovation gap. These collaborations, they believe, can catalyze AI development by combining the agility of the private sector with the regulatory and infrastructural reach of the government.
Industry experts argue that without PPPs, the defense sector risks lagging behind global peers in AI adoption. Countries like the U.S. and China have already implemented national strategies with significant public-private cooperation, placing them far ahead in AI defense capabilities.
“India has the talent and the technological potential,” the report added, “but it needs structured collaboration, clear policies, and committed investment to unleash its AI defense potential.”
Spotlight on the International Police Expo 2025
Amid these findings, Nexgen Exhibitions also announced the 10th International Police Expo 2025, scheduled to be held in New Delhi from July 31 to August 1. The two-day event will focus on enhancing internal security, law enforcement innovation, and policing infrastructure.
This year’s edition is expected to draw global attention with a special emphasis on AI integration in modern policing, border management, surveillance systems, and predictive analytics.
“The International Police Expo 2025 will serve as one of the most influential platforms for showcasing cutting-edge technologies and collaborative solutions in security and policing,” said Aadhar Bansal, Director of Nexgen Exhibitions. “The event aims to drive meaningful dialogue between policymakers, law enforcement agencies, and tech innovators. It highlights the urgent need for active government involvement and strategic partnerships in scaling up AI adoption for national security.”
Over 150 exhibitors from India and abroad are expected to participate, alongside representatives from police forces, paramilitary organizations, border security forces, and homeland defense units.
Towards a National AI Security Vision
India is at a turning point. While global powers ramp up their AI defense investments, India must move swiftly to catch up. The Nexgen report serves as a wake-up call for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and the defense establishment.
Experts believe that a comprehensive National AI for Defense Strategy must be rolled out soon. This strategy should include:
- A centralized AI defense task force
- Dedicated funding for AI R&D in national security
- Data governance policies ensuring security and privacy
- Accelerated talent development in AI engineering
- Global collaborations for knowledge exchange and standardization
India’s potential to become a global leader in AI is undeniable. However, without robust institutional backing, that potential risks remaining untapped—especially in sectors where it matters the most: national security.
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