Securitizing Cyberspace: Use of Artificial Intelligence In Sino-American Relations and Its Impacts on India’s National Security

Abstract

This research explores the securitization of cyberspace through the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the context of Sino-American rivalry and examines its implications for the national security of India. The study addressed the rapid deployment of AI-powered technologies such as autonomous surveillance systems, cyber tools and psychological warfare techniques by USA and China, as a strategy for cyber confrontation.  These measures not only reshape the bilateral relations but also exert pressure on regional powers like India to advance technologically in cyber domain. The main idea of the research is to analyze that how weaponization of AI in cyberspace is restructuring global power blocks structures and security postures while putting India at high risk of technological vulnerability, strategic ambiguity and digital exposure. This research incorporates qualitative methodology, where secondary sources like documents, literature and books were consulted to analyze the data. This research study also explores insights from the think tanks and other public-private policy formation institutes to assess the USA and China strategic cyber posture and India’s response to it. Major findings are that while India is making regulatory reforms accordingly through international cooperation, it lacks a cohesive national AI-cybersecurity strategy and doctrine. It is important for India to strengthen its intuitions focusing on AI capabilities, increasing cyber diplomacy and institutionalizing rule-based approach to digital security and ensuring resilience in cyberspace.