In the grand theater of global power, the stage is now dominated by a new form of warfare—one fought not with tanks and missiles, but with algorithms, data, and artificial intelligence. The United States, with its Silicon Valley behemoths, has long been the vanguard of this revolution, birthing AI systems that redefine human interaction, labor, and even thought. China, not to be outdone, has marshaled its state-capitalist machinery to produce rivals like DeepSeek, embedding its technological ambitions within its broader geopolitical strategy. Meanwhile, other nations queue up, eager to claim their place in this digital arms race. Yet, amidst this frenzy, India—a nation often touted as a rising superpower—appears conspicuously absent from the forefront. Why is this the case? And how can India, lagging in this critical domain, still claim to be among the developed nations of the world?
To answer these questions, one must first dissect the nature of this technological warfare. It is not merely a competition for innovation but a struggle for dominance in the infrastructure of the future. The nations that control the most advanced AI systems, quantum computing, and biotechnology will wield unparalleled influence over global economics, politics, and culture. This is not a race for prestige; it is a battle for survival in a world where technological superiority equates to geopolitical leverage.
The United States, with its vast ecosystem of private enterprises and academic institutions, has long understood this. Its AI advancements are not just products of corporate ambition but are deeply intertwined with its military-industrial complex. China, on the other hand, has leveraged its centralized governance model to direct resources toward strategic technologies, ensuring that its progress aligns with its national goals. Both nations recognize that technological development is no longer a matter of economic growth alone—it is the new battlefield.
And where does India stand in this contest? The answer is both complex and disheartening. India’s technological landscape is a paradox. On one hand, it boasts a thriving IT sector, a pool of skilled engineers, and a burgeoning startup ecosystem. On the other, it lacks the systemic focus and investment required to compete at the highest levels of technological innovation. While the U.S. and China pour billions into AI research and development, India’s spending remains paltry in comparison. Its universities, though numerous, are underfunded and often disconnected from the cutting-edge research that drives global progress.
Moreover, India’s bureaucratic inertia and fragmented policymaking have stifled its potential. Unlike China, which operates with a singular focus on technological supremacy, India’s democratic processes—while laudable in their inclusivity—often result in delays and half-measures. The result is a nation that excels in providing back-office support to the world’s tech giants but struggles to produce its own breakthroughs.
This lag is not merely a matter of national pride; it has profound implications for India’s future. In a world where technology is increasingly synonymous with power, a failure to innovate is a failure to secure one’s place in the global order. India’s aspirations to be recognized as a developed nation ring hollow when it remains a consumer, rather than a creator, of transformative technologies.
Yet, the narrative of India’s development is not without its contradictions. The country has made significant strides in areas like space exploration, renewable energy, and digital infrastructure. Its Mars Orbiter Mission and rapid adoption of digital payment systems are often cited as evidence of its progress. But these achievements, while commendable, are not enough to offset its deficiencies in the broader technological race. They are, in many ways, isolated victories in a war that demands sustained and coordinated effort.
To claim a place among the developed nations, India must confront the structural issues that hinder its progress. It must invest heavily in research and development, foster collaboration between academia and industry, and streamline its policymaking processes. It must also address the deeper inequities that plague its society—inequities that limit access to education and opportunity for millions of its citizens.
In the words of Noam Chomsky, “The general population doesn’t know what’s happening, and it doesn’t even know that it doesn’t know.” This observation is particularly apt in the context of India’s technological lag. The Indian public, preoccupied with immediate concerns, remains largely unaware of the stakes of this global contest. Meanwhile, its elites, ensconced in their bubble of privilege, seem content to bask in the illusion of progress.
The truth is that India’s development is not a linear trajectory but a fractured mosaic. Its successes are real, but so are its failures. To truly claim its place among the developed nations, India must awaken to the realities of this new world order. It must recognize that technological development is not a luxury but a necessity—a battlefield on which its future will be decided.
In the end, the question is not whether India can catch up, but whether it has the will to do so. The world is waging war through technological development, and India cannot afford to remain a spectator. The stakes are too high, and the cost of inaction too great. The time for half-measures and hollow claims is over. The time for action is now.