From AIForAll to Intelligentized Warfare: Policy Divergence in AI Strategies of India and China

This paper explores how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is shaping the strategic competition between India and China. India, with its #AIForAll framework, prioritizes inclusive innovation, developmental objectives, and ethical governance, whereas China follows a state-led, military-integrated AI policy aimed at achieving global technological superiority. The paper compares both nations’ AI strategies, institutional ecosystem, and geopolitical ambitions, emphasizing on India's initiatives to improve its AI capabilities through public-sector innovation and international collaboration, and China's quick developments in AI-driven military modernization and surveillance. Though India has made significant progress in AI talent and data availability, but integration of AI in defence is minimal. This paper concludes by offering suggestion on how India can address the AI gap through strategic investment, public-private partnerships, and actively participating in global AI governance, thus enhancing national security, and regional influence.