Cyberspace, artificial intelligence (AI), and space technology are emerging as the next frontiers of warfare, according to defence personnel, diplomats, and industry leaders gathered at the fifth National Security Conference in Mumbai. Organised by the Bramha Research Foundation to commemorate the 26/11 terrorist attacks, the conference brought together a diverse array of experts to discuss the evolving landscape of global security.
The conference highlighted the growing role of modern technologies in warfare and terrorism, with participants emphasising the need to leverage these same technologies to counter emerging threats. Air Marshal Rakesh Sinha, deputy chief of operations at the Integrated Defence Staff (IDS), underscored the significance of space as the next frontier in defence. He announced India’s upcoming space-based surveillance 3 (SBS 3) program, which aims to launch 52 satellites over the next decade to bolster the country’s strategic surveillance capabilities.
“Space and counter-space will lead to freedom of operations,” Sinha stated. “All three armed forces are working on data crunching, decision-making, and data analysis because these are very important to execute multi-domain operations like Operation Sindoor. The requirement of autonomous systems and better navigation systems, which are more user-friendly, need to be incorporated in our weapon systems.”
Vivek Lall, chief executive of General Atomics Global Corporation, highlighted the transformative impact of AI on modern warfare. “AI is reshaping how forces sense, decide, and act. Adversaries are investing heavily in jamming, spoofing, and disruption. The future belongs to forces that can push intelligence and decision-making to the edge,” he said.
Arun Ramchandani, chairman of the Indian Space Association, emphasised the critical role of surveillance, communication, remote sensing, and navigation in modern defence strategies. “The assistance to integrate different sensor data and doing it from space is what we need. It is about intelligence and being aware, which is crucial to an operation,” he noted.
Dr. Madan Oberoi, a retired IPS officer and current chief security advisor at Google, discussed the importance of cybersecurity in national security. He highlighted Google’s focus on zero-trust architecture and AI-driven threat intelligence. “Cyberspace links all domains and determines how we operate and whatever systems we are operating. It also determines how much data can be trusted. AI plays a huge role here as both state and non-state actors are using it, and therefore we have to be cognisant of this fact,” he said.
The conference also addressed the changing nature of war and terrorism. State minister Ashish Shelar cited India’s response in Operation Sindoor, noting that the era of large-scale troop engagements is fading. “The future of war is autonomous, unmanned, and AI-driven. This technology demonstrates how a nation can be harmed without crossing its border. The same technology has also helped our armed forces become stronger and more precise.”
Brijesh Singh, principal secretary to Maharashtra’s chief minister, highlighted the role of social media platforms in national security. “The platforms know everything about us. One small change in policy by X (formerly Twitter) enabled the real location of people, revealing that many operations in India, from farmers’ protests to caste census, were running from Pakistan. These platforms play a key role,” he said.
Shagun Parihar, the youngest MLA from Jammu and Kashmir, noted an 80% decrease in terror activities in the state following the abrogation of Article 370. “Our response to terror attacks has been key in this transformation, especially Operation Sindoor, which is a shining example that our response can cause any country to lose its existence,” she added.
Various diplomats and statesmen condemned the 26/11 attack and expressed solidarity with India against terrorism. This included messages from Israel’s consul general to Western India, Yaniv Revach, Belgium parliament senator Ane Van Dermeersech, and Flemish parliament member Filip Dewinter.
Ujjawal Nikam, Rajya Sabha MP and special public prosecutor for the 26/11 attack case, recalled his efforts in securing the death penalty for Ajmal Kasab. He criticised the lack of international action against Pakistan despite proven involvement in the attack. “Many countries are keen to curb terror, but the constitution of the UN allows only five countries to use veto power to overrule any proposal. This should be changed,” he said.
Vice Admiral Atul Anand, additional chief secretary at the Department of Military Affairs, highlighted India’s initiatives and reforms to achieve self-reliance in defence. A subsequent panel discussion reflected the contributions and expectations of private industry players in fulfilling this aim. Vice Admiral Vineet McCarty, deputy chief at IDS, noted that India will witness a significant increase in defence budget allotment in the upcoming years.
The conference underscored the critical role