Saad Ullah
Blockchain Battles
The views of Rajnath Singh, the Defense Minister for India, were reported by The Time of India, a local news outlet. The Minister expressed his opinion before a gathering of more than 80 envoys from all around the world. This comes a few months before DefExpo 2020, a conference dedicated to defense strategies and technologies, that will be hosted in India.
The Minster said that blockchain, artificial intelligence (AI) and big data have a pivotal role to play in the evolving battlefield of today,
The role of AI, big data and blockchain technologies has already revolutionized the existing paradigm of warfighting. The defense industry is undergoing a churning to cope and employ these technologies, in order to safeguard the safety and security of critical infrastructure.
Countries that have adopted modern technologies in warfare have always been at an advantage. From employing simple air planes for reconnaissance to using satellite based navigation systems to coordinate military assets, military might has always depended on cutting edge technologies. This is reflected in the statement of Defense Minister Singh.
Blockchain, AI and Big Data can play a significant role in armies, from encrypting information to analyzing data to develop strategies.
India’s Love for Blockchain
India is leading the region in terms of adoption of blockchain technology. Although the use of cryptocurrencies, the first and the largest application of the technology is still outlawed, the country has expressedthat it wants blockchain. The Reserve Bank of India, the central bank of the country, has worked in the past on creating a digital rupee. That however, seems to be a love and hate affair as it has scrappedthe plan many time. A major private bank in the country has already partneredwith Ripple to increase efficiency in its cross border remittances.
India will not be the first country that has shown interest in using blockchain for military purposes. Nearly a year ago, communications giant Viasat had received ordersfrom the United States Air Force for blockchain based cryptographic communication devices. The Indian State of Tamil Nadu has recently released policieson governmental use of blockchain and AI.
The Minister was clear, however, that there was no confusion on the adoption of the technology to
not just to prepare for contingencies but also to repel threats from multiple sources, and at the same time possess the ability to respond proactively if needed.
Saad Ullah
