In the discussion at the India Today Conclave's session on modern warfare, it was highlighted that contemporary conflicts cannot rely on outdated methods; the U.S. and Israel have effectively used AI for strategic targeting in their operations, such as the recent attacks based on AI-assisted intelligence against Iranian leaders. Given these developments, Indian forces and startups are focusing on integrating AI, drones, and unmanned systems into their military capabilities to enhance operational efficiency and precision in warfare.

The session featured prominent figures including former Army Training Command chief Lieutenant General Raj Shukla, Nikunj Parashar from Sagar Defense, and Smitt Shah of the Drone Federation of India, who discussed the future of warfare and the challenges related to procurement and scaling of defense technologies. The conversation emphasized the necessity for India to adapt and adopt cutting-edge technologies in response to evolving security threats posed by neighboring countries, particularly Pakistan and China.

The use of AI in military operations, as illustrated by the U.S.-Israel strategy against Iran, sets a precedent for adopting similar methodologies within India's military framework. This shift towards technologically advanced warfare indicates a transformative approach to national security, urging the need for robust innovation and collaboration among defense startups and military establishments to keep pace with adversarial advances.