AI in Logistics: Mitigating War and Pandemic Risks

This research examines how artificial intelligence technologies can build resilient supply chains in the Indian logistics context, focusing on resilience during geopolitical disruption (Russia-Ukraine conflict) and pandemic shocks (COVID-19). The paper evaluates five AI capabilities (ML demand forecasting, RL route optimization, warehouse automation, predictive maintenance, digital twins) and analyzes how PM Gati Shakti, ULIP, and the National Logistics Policy 2022 create a unique policy-technology nexus for AI adoption in Indian logistics. KEY FINDING: Without deliberate equity intervention, India risks a "dual-speed" logistics system where large corporates achieve AI-enabled anticipatory resilience while the MSME-dominated majority of freight operators (90% of road freight) remain reactive and fragile. The paper contributes a unified RBV–Dynamic Capabilities framework integrating AI capabilities, India's policy infrastructure, and MSME equity constraints. Submitted to: ITSBTAP 2026License: CC-BY-4.0Keywords: AI, supply chain, logistics resilience, India, MSME, PM Gati Shakti, digital twins, dynamic capabilities