Answer:

National Security Strategy (NSS) is a comprehensive framework designed to safeguard the nation’s interests by addressing diverse threats in areas like defence, economy, and diplomacy. Such as traditional adversaries, economic disruptions, and geopolitical shifts. The formulation of a coherent NSS is essential for integrating various sectors and prioritising national interests, ensuring the country’s sovereignty and security.

Need for a National Security Strategy (NSS) for India:

• Changing Geopolitical Landscape: With increasing challenges from neighbouring countries like China and Pakistan, a coherent NSS helps India manage its defence, diplomacy, and strategic partnerships.
• Economic Security: A strong economy is crucial for funding defence, infrastructure, and development, making it an integral part of national security.
  For instance: India’s ambition to become a $5 trillion economy is linked to securing energy and trade routes, necessitating a robust security framework.
• Technological Advancements in Warfare: With the rise of cyber warfare and artificial intelligence in military operations, India needs a clear strategy to integrate technology into its national defence.
  For instance: India’s investment in cyber defence units and AI-based military applications requires a structured approach under an NSS.
• Addressing Terrorism and Internal Security: The persistence of terrorism and insurgency in regions like Jammu & Kashmir and the Northeast highlights the need for a comprehensive security strategy.
  For example: Anti-terror operations like Operation All Out in J&K have benefited from coordinated security policies but need alignment under an NSS.
• Diplomatic and Strategic Positioning: A coherent NSS would help align India’s diplomatic efforts with its strategic objectives, including managing relationships with global powers.
  For instance: Balancing ties with the U.S. and Russia while maintaining strategic autonomy is a key challenge that an NSS can address.
• Climate Change and Resource Security: Climate-related threats such as water scarcity and natural disasters are emerging as security challenges, necessitating an integrated approach in the NSS.
  For example: The Indus Water Treaty with Pakistan requires careful management to avoid future conflicts over water resources.
• Public Awareness and Confidence: An NSS promotes public confidence in national security by outlining the government’s preparedness to handle internal and external threats.
  For example: Countries like the U.S. regularly publish their NSS to inform citizens about security policies, and India can adopt a similar approach.

Challenges in Formulating a National Security Strategy (NSS) for India

• Secrecy vs. Transparency: Balancing the need to keep confidentiality of sensitive information with public demand for transparency is a key challenge.
  For instance: Addressing potential threats from China in the public domain could reveal India’s vulnerabilities, complicating NSS formulation.
• Resource Allocation: Defining security priorities while managing limited financial resources can be difficult, especially with competing demands from various sectors.
  For instance: India’s union budget must balance between modernising the military and investing in sectors like education and healthcare.
• Diverse Security Threats: India faces multifaceted threats ranging from terrorism, cyber-attacks, and border tensions to internal insurgencies, making it hard to prioritise issues in the NSS.
  For instance: Addressing Maoist insurgencies in central India while focusing on external threats requires a comprehensive strategy.
• Diplomatic Balancing Act: India’s policy of multi-alignment involves balancing relationships with competing global powers, complicating the formulation of a clear and cohesive NSS.
  For instance: India’s participation in both BRICS and QUAD reflects this delicate balancing act, which must be addressed in the NSS.
• Technological Gaps: The disparity in military technology between India and other global powers like China can hinder India’s ability to implement a modern NSS.
  For example: India’s submarine fleet is significantly smaller than China’s, creating a challenge for maritime security in the Indian Ocean region.
• Internal Political Dynamics: Domestic political pressures, such as public demands for a show of strength and unity and media analysis, can influence how the NSS is framed.
• Legal and Institutional Framework: India’s existing legal and institutional frameworks may not be adequately aligned to support a cohesive NSS, requiring reforms in areas like defence procurement and inter-agency coordination.
  For instance: The need for better coordination between intelligence agencies and the military is essential for the effectiveness of the NSS.

Way Forward

• Institutionalising the NSS Process: Establish a permanent National Security Council Secretariat to regularly review and update India’s NSS, ensuring it evolves with changing global dynamics.
  For example: The U.S. National Security Strategy is regularly updated to reflect current global threats and alliances.
• Integration of Economic and Defence Strategies: Ensure that economic and defence policies are interconnected, with strategic resource allocation for sectors like shipbuilding and cybersecurity.
  For instance: India could prioritise submarine development in the Indo-Pacific to safeguard its maritime interests.
• Leverage Strategic Partnerships: Strengthen international alliances, particularly with QUAD and BRICS members, to build resilience against global security threats.
  For example: Deepening defence ties with Japan and the U.S. could provide technological and intelligence support.
• Public-Private Partnerships: Foster collaboration between the private sector and government agencies to enhance cybersecurity and technological capabilities.
  For example: The Indian government’s partnership with Tata Group for defence manufacturing is a step toward self-reliance.
• Enhance Cybersecurity Frameworks: Develop a comprehensive cyber defence policy to protect critical infrastructure and respond to growing cyber threats.

A National Security Strategy (NSS) is vital for India to address the growing complexities of modern threats, from external aggression to internal unrest. However, its formulation presents several challenges, including balancing secrecy, resource allocation, and addressing diverse threats. By overcoming these obstacles, India can create a coherent and effective NSS that safeguards its national interests, strengthens global standing, and ensures long-term security in an evolving world.

DOWNLOAD PDF