Syllabus
GS Paper 3 – Challenges to Internal Security through Communication Networks, Role of Media and Social Networking Sites in Internal Security Challenges, Basics of Cyber Security; Money-Laundering and its prevention.
Context
After extensive deliberations within the military and strategic community, India is in the process of developing its inaugural national security strategy document.
Security Architecture in India:
- Following India’s attainment of nuclear-weapon state status in 1998, significant changes were implemented in the national security structure.
- A National Security Council (NSC) was established with the Prime Minister as its Chairman, featuring permanent members from key ministries: Home, Defence, External Affairs, and Finance.
- The role of National Security Advisor was introduced to act as the NSC’s Secretary.
- A Strategic Planning Group (SPG) was formed, chaired by the Cabinet Secretary.
- The creation of a National Security Advisory Board (NSAB) included several retired civil and military officials who had direct access to the Prime Minister.
- Post the Kargil war in 1999, the Defense Intelligence Agency was founded to coordinate military intelligence.
- Additionally, the Nuclear Command Authority (NCA) was established to oversee India’s nuclear arsenal management.
National Security Strategy (NSS):
What is NSS?
- The NSS serves as a formal document outlining a country’s security objectives and strategies to achieve them.
- It identifies traditional and non-traditional threats and responsibilities of implementing agencies.
Historical Context:
- Since India’s independence in 1947, a formal NSS hasn’t been established.
- Previous attempts in 2007, 2019, and 2021 faced political hesitancy, impeding the creation of a national security strategy.
Significance of NSS:
- Encompasses various threats, including financial, energy, information, and environmental security.
- Guides military and security reforms and provides a holistic view of national security.
- Reflects India’s response to global geopolitical tensions and uncertainties.
- The document will be publicly accessible and regularly updated based on emerging situations and new threat assessments.
Global Regulatory Landscape:
- United States (US): NSS 2022 focuses on strengthening democracy, revitalizing alliances, fostering an inclusive global economy, and defending America while deterring aggression.
- United Kingdom (UK): Encompasses diverse yet interconnected threats, including terrorism, cyber-attacks, natural disasters, and international military crises.
- Russia: NSS 2021 emphasizes the country’s determination and capability to safeguard its national interests and values amidst the complex challenges of the 21st century.
- China: The Comprehensive National Security strategy is intricately linked to its governance structure.
- Pakistan: The National Security Policy 2022-2026 emphasizes national security objectives and priority areas.
Importance of India’s National Security Strategy:
- Resource Utilization: Facilitates optimal utilization of India’s comprehensive national power and resources.
- Addressing Vulnerabilities: Addresses vulnerabilities along India’s borders, tackling issues such as smuggling and contraband trade that provide pathways for terrorists and criminals.
- Technology in a Dynamic World: Recognizes the significance of technology in identifying critical infrastructure vulnerable to cyber-attacks. It aims to develop human resources capable of safeguarding and restoring critical systems.
- Nuclear Security Concerns: Responds to the challenges posed by India’s nuclear deterrent in the context of neighboring nuclear-armed countries such as China and Pakistan.
- Dynamic Nature of Security: Acknowledges the outdated nature of existing political directions to the Armed Forces, like the 2009 Raksha Mantri’s operational Directive, signaling a need for revision.
- Promotion of Jointness in Defense: Aims to establish a national defense doctrine to foster synergy, coordination, and jointness among India’s three services, enhancing their combat effectiveness and operational readiness.
Key Components of the National Security Strategy (NSS):
- Climate Change Considerations: Anticipation of ecological degradation consequences like glacier melting, rising sea levels, significant population migration, and the formulation of coping measures.
- Internal Security Focus: Addressing internal security threats such as inequality, institutional erosion, lawlessness, and center-state relations.
- External Security Management: Emphasizing the restoration of deterrence against adversaries, especially China, and striving for India’s transformation into a modern, prosperous, and secure country.
- Strategic Communication Integration: Integration of the NSS with strategic communication, particularly essential in a democratic setup, aimed at shaping public perceptions through consistent and constant public outreach. It also provides a channel for public opinion and feedback.
Conclusion
The forthcoming execution of the National Security Strategy (NSS) in India demands strict adherence to the principles outlined within the nation’s Constitution and the democratic political framework. It is imperative that the strategy remains aligned with the fundamental values and laws enshrined in the Constitution of India, ensuring its actions are within the prescribed legal and ethical boundaries. Moreover, the implementation of the NSS needs to be citizen-centered, prioritizing the well-being and interests of the people. This citizen-centric approach is pivotal to ensuring that the strategy remains in harmony with the democratic ethos of the country, where the government and its policies are accountable to the populace, fostering a system of transparency, responsibility, and responsiveness to the needs and concerns of the citizens.
Source: Indian Express
Practice Question
What is the National Security Strategy, and why is it essential for India? What challenges might hinder its implementation, and what steps should be taken to progress in drafting this critical document? (Answer in 250 words)