Strategic Autonomy In The Global AI Landscape: India’s Foreign Policy In The Age Of Artificial Intelligence

Abstract

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is one of the technologies that have been identified as an important strategic resource that affects the economic competitiveness, military capability, governance and international power. The escalation of U.S.-China technological competition has led to a more fractured global AI landscape, posing complicated decisions for middle powers aiming to gain access to technology while avoiding too much reliance on either side. This study analyses if AI is a new strategic space for India's autonomy and how India fares in the technological competition between the United States and China. A qualitative analysis is used with academic literature, policy documents and institutional sources, and a realism, techno-nationalism and complex interdependence lens. The results suggest a hybrid approach by India of technological multi-engagement through selective cooperation with advanced technology partners, cautious control of sensitive Chinese technological influence, technological capability building and ongoing membership in global innovation networks. The strategic independence of India relies on semiconductors, computing, cloud services, data, human talent, research ecosystems, and technological norms more and more. The study also suggests the concept of digital non-alignment and networked autonomy as useful concepts to explain India's attempt to maintain policy flexibility while being technologically interdependent. Although the use of state-of-the-art semiconductors, cloud platforms, and cutting-edge AI research still restricts full technological sovereignty. The study contributes to the debates on AI governance, technological sovereignty and middle power strategy in the new AI order by emphasising the dynamics of domestic capabilities, diversified partnerships and global interdependence.