India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is no stranger to the world of artificial intelligence (AI). But at a recent summit, he took a step back to talk about the darker side of this powerful technology. Singh is concerned that AI can be used in ways that pose a threat to national security.

Singh's comments came as he spoke about the dual-use dilemma of AI. This refers to the fact that AI can be used for good or for bad. On one hand, it can help us in countless ways, from making our lives easier to keeping us safer. But on the other hand, it can be used to cause harm. Singh compared AI to the mythological demon Bhasmasur, who was granted a boon by Lord Shiva but ultimately used it to destroy himself.

The Defence Minister highlighted the challenges posed by deep fakes, cyber warfare, and autonomous weapon systems. These are all areas where AI is being used, but they also pose significant risks. Singh made it clear that as defence leaders, we need to think carefully about how we use AI and make sure we're not creating more problems than we're solving.

Despite his concerns, Singh is also a strong supporter of using AI in the defence sector. He pointed to the success of AI in Operation Sindoor, where it was used to enhance the precision of BrahMos missile systems. He also mentioned the Sudarshan Air Defence missile systems, which are a great example of the best use of AI.

But AI isn't just about warfare, Singh emphasized. He believes that it can also bring about great benefits in areas like education, healthcare, and the welfare of our soldiers. He mentioned the AI-enabled check board that's been developed to make the pension process easier for retired officers. This is just one example of how AI can be used to improve the lives of our citizens.