Why is it in the news?
- Despite being a significant global player, India lacks a published national security strategy, leading to ad-hoc decision-making and inefficient resource allocation.
- Major decisions, such as military investments and strategic relations, are currently made without a cohesive strategic vision, increasing the risk of misallocation and inefficiency.
More about the news
- With diverse global challenges like climate change, pandemics, and geopolitical shifts, India must proactively address long-term threats rather than reacting impulsively.
- The rise of China presents multifaceted challenges that demand a comprehensive approach to safeguard India’s interests regionally and globally.
Benefits of a National Security Strategy
- Comprehensive Strategic Assessment: An NSS would ensure a periodic review of threats, opportunities, and global security trends, allowing India to address evolving challenges before they become critical.
- Long-term Planning Framework: Providing a clear blueprint for future planning, an NSS would aid in prioritizing national security initiatives and resources effectively.
- Signalling Strategic Intent: By clarifying India’s strategic priorities, an NSS would enhance transparency and signal the country’s commitment as a security provider in the region.
- Efficient Coordination: Facilitating collaboration across government agencies, an NSS would synchronize efforts among the military and other security organizations, promoting a cohesive national security approach.
- Enhanced Accountability: An NSS would serve as a tool for ensuring adherence to political directives and promoting transparency in national security decision-making, fostering public trust and awareness.
| What is a National Security Strategy?
· Definition: A National Security Strategy outlines a country’s security goals and methods to achieve them. · Scope: o It addresses both traditional threats (affecting only the state) and non-traditional threats (impacting individuals and humanity as a whole), while adhering to India’s democratic principles. o It assesses potential threats, allocates resources, and sets policies for intelligence, defense, diplomacy, and other security-related areas.
· India’s Previous Attempts to Formulate a National Security Strategy (NSS): o Kargil Review Committee Report (2000): After the Kargil conflict in 1999, the committee submitted recommendations on national security, While the report itself was made public, it did not lead to the immediate formulation of a formal NSS. o Naresh Chandra Task Force on Security (2012): This task force’s 2012 report discussed defense and intelligence reforms, yet didn’t prompt an immediate NSS. o National Security Advisory Board (NSAB): The NSAB, composed of security experts, has drafted national security strategy documents multiple times, but an official NSS hasn’t been finalized. o Gen. D.S. Hooda’s Document (2019): Retired Lt. Gen. D.S. Hooda’s 2019 national security strategy document was a significant initiative toward India’s NSS development. · Challenges in Formulating a National Security Strategy: o Political Hesitation: Governments hesitate to formalize security strategies in writing due to commitment traps, potential criticism, or rigid decision-making concerns. o Political Consensus: Achieving consensus among different political parties on the content and priorities of the NSS can be difficult. o Legal Framework: Ensuring the NSS complies with international agreements and domestic laws is crucial but complex. o Resource Allocation: Allocating sufficient financial and human resources to implement the NSS effectively is challenging amidst competing budget priorities. o Military and Political Divergence: Bureaucratic differences within government agencies, including the Ministry of Defence, can hinder consensus on a formal NSS. o Changing Threat Landscape: Adapting the NSS to address evolving security threats like cyber threats and terrorism is an ongoing challenge. o Reactive Approach: India often reacts to security challenges as they arise instead of having a proactive and cohesive strategy. o National Security Culture: Developing a national culture that values NSS and systematic security planning is a gradual process. |
Conclusion:
- A robust and endorsed National Security Strategy is crucial for India’s trajectory as a global power, offering a clear roadmap for coordinated governance and strategic growth. In an increasingly dynamic world, an anticipatory and adaptable NSS is essential, enabling India to effectively navigate global security challenges while safeguarding its interests and principles in the 21st century.
