India is working on its first-ever national security strategy document after years of deliberations in the military and strategic community.
Security Architecture in India
After India became a nuclear-weapon state in 1998, the national security architecture underwent a significant change.
At the apex, a National Security Council (NSC) was set up with the Prime Minister (PM) as the Chairman.
Its permanent members included ministers of home, defence, external affairs and finance.
A new post of National Security Advisor was created to serve as the Secretary of the NSC.
In addition, a Strategic Planning Group (SPG) was established under the chairmanship of the Cabinet Secretary.
A National Security Advisory Board (NSAB) was also set up.
It comprised of a number of retired civil and military officials, and it had direct access to the PM.
After the Kargil war in 1999, a Defence Intelligence Agency was set up to coordinate military-related intelligence.
Also, a Nuclear Command Authority (NCA) was set up to manage India’s nuclear weapon arsenal.
What is National Security Strategy?
NSS - A National Security Strategy (NSS) document outlines the country’s security objectives, and the ways to achieve these.
It defines traditional, non-traditional threats and opportunities while introducing accountability of agencies tasked with the implementation of such responsibilities.
History - The NSS of India has not been defined since its Independence in 1947.
Earlier 3 attempts has been made (2007, 2019 and 2021) to come out with the national security strategy, but there was hesitation at the political level.
Significance of NSS - The strategy will cover the entire range of traditional and non-traditional threats facing India, such as financial, energy, information, and environmental security.
It will guide the military and security reforms and provide a holistic view of the national security.
NSS will reflect India’s response to the rising geopolitical tensions and uncertainties in the world.
The document will be made public and updated regularly based on emerging situation and newer threat assessments.
Global Regulatory Landscape
US- The main pillars of NSS 2022 is strengthening democracy, revitalizing alliances, building inclusive global economy, and defending America and deterring aggression.
UK- It covers a range of diverse but interdependent threats, such as terrorism, cyber-attacks, natural disasters, and international military crises.
Russia- NSS 2021 reflects the country’s willingness and ability to defend its national interests and values in the face of the complex and dynamic challenges of the 21st century.
China- Comprehensive National Security strategy is closely tied to its governance structure.
Pakistan-National Security Policy 2022-2026, underlines national security objectives and priority areas.
Why India needs a National Security Strategy?
Resource utilisation- The strategy will help in optimal utilisation of India's comprehensive national power and resources.
Address vulnerabilities- India’s border is linked with large scale smuggling and contraband trade that permits channels through which terrorists and criminals find easy access.
Technology driven world- NSS would enable the identification of critical infrastructure that may be vulnerable to cyber-attacks, and the development of human resources capable of identifying attacks and protecting and restoring critical systems.
Nuclear security- The country’s nuclear deterrent must deal with the challenge of two nuclear-armed neighbours namely China and Pakistan.
Dynamic nature- The only political direction to the Armed Forces in existence is Raksha Mantri’s operational Directive of 2009 which is outdated and needs to be revised.
Jointness- There has to be a national defence doctrine to achieve synergy, coordination and jointness among the three services and to enhance their combat effectiveness and operational readiness.
What components must the NSS encompass?
Climate change- NSS should anticipate the consequences of ecological degradation such as melting of glaciers, sea level rise, large scale migration of population and formulate coping measures.
Internal security- The strategy must address the internal security threats such as inequality, erosion of institutions, lawlessness and centre-state relations.
External security management- The doctrine should emphasise the need to restore deterrence against India's adversaries, especially China, and to pursue the goal of transforming India into a modern, prosperous and secure country.
Strategic communication- NSS must be integrated with strategic communication, particularly in a democracy, to shape public perceptions through constant and consistent public outreach and to provide a channel for public opinion or feedback.
What lies ahead?
NSS must be executed within the parameters laid down by the Constitution of India and the country’s democratic political dispensation.
NSS should be citizen-centric, constitutionally guided, and democratically accountable.
