Recently, The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) highlighted the need for a National Security Strategy (NSS) in India. 

CDS Calls for Debate on Formalizing India’s National Security Strategy

• The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) highlighted components of National Security Strategy (NSS): Policy, Processes, and Practices.
• He acknowledged that India addresses policy, processes, and practices effectively.
• However, the absence of a formal written policy is a notable gap in the National Security Strategy.
• He questioned the necessity of a written policy and cited the example of Israel which operates without a written national security strategy document.
• This reignites analysis and debates of whether India really needs a written policy for its national security strategy. 

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About National Security Strategy (NSS)

• NSS is a document that lays down the security objectives of a country, defines its internal and external challenges and provides guidance on how to achieve those objectives
• An NSS should address both traditional and non-traditional threats , assess potential threats, allocate resources, and outline diplomatic, military, intelligence, as well as  defence policies.
• Example- The United States, the United Kingdom, and Russia, China and Pakistan have  a Comprehensive National Security strategy,

Need for a National Security Strategy (NSS)

• Enhancing Operational Effectiveness: The National Security Strategy (NSS) should define clear objectives (ends), strategies (ways), and resources (means) while promoting delegation, synergy, and operational autonomy.
  • It aims to encourage initiative, innovation, and improvisation at the frontline level.
• Crucial for effective theatre commands: The NSS is crucial for the establishment and effectiveness of theatre commands and overall military transformation.
  • A well-defined NSS is expected to inspire bold and capable military leaders like Field Marshal ‘Sam’ Manekshaw, Lt Gen Harbaksh Singh, and Lt Gen Sagat Singh.
• Promotes ‘Whole of Nation Approach’: A well-crafted National Security Strategy (NSS) is needed for promoting a “whole of nation” approach and synergizing comprehensive national power (CNP).
• Facilitate capacity building: It would also enable the setting of milestones for capability-building for modernisation, infrastructure and the Atma Nirbhar mission.
• Concerns over the current status of defence planning:  Currently, there is a discontinuation of Defence Plans (five years) and Long Term Perspective Plans (15 years).
  • Introduction of new formats like the Integrated Capability Plan (10 years) and Defence Capability Acquisition Plan (5 years), are still in the stabilisation phase.
  • Parliamentary reviews and audits by the Auditor General are seen as not fully effective.There’s a need to improve these reviews with better tools for checking and predicting goals.
• Build Accountability: The National Security Strategy (NSS) could help outside experts check and improve government plans. 
  • The NSS, as a reference for peer review by think tanks, will reduce ambiguity and build meaningful accountability.
  • It would make national security planning clearer and more accountable.

Issues and Concerns Surrounding India’s National Security Strategy

• Prolonged Drafting of Multiple Versions of NSS: Prolonged engagement in drafting multiple versions of the National Security Strategy (NSS) over the past two decades raises questions about its purpose and effectiveness.
• Establishment of Defence Planning Committee: Establishment of an apex-level Defence Planning Committee chaired by the National Security Advisor in 2018 aimed at formulating the NSS and National Defence Strategy. However, not much progress has been achieved.
• Transparency Issues: Lack of transparency regarding the status and progress of this significant exercise despite its public announcement.
• Current Challenges with Operational Directive: Current reliance on the cryptic and inadequate Operational Directive of the Defence Minister, underscores the need for a comprehensive NSS.
• Concerns about unclear Strategic guidance: There are concerns about Army Commanders’ lack of substantive handover procedures which are often brief and ceremonial.

• • Example- During the Doklam crisis, the strategic guidance was unclear.
  • The system suffers from over-centralisation and, in the long term, needs to be replaced by a de-centralised Directive Style of Command (DSOC).
• Divergence in Opinions: The Ministry of Defence and other government agencies may hold differing opinions on a formal NSS.
• Changing Threat Landscape: Adapting the NSS to address evolving and advanced security threats, such as cyber threats, terrorism, and non-traditional security challenges, is a continuous challenge.

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Way Forward

India urgently needs a customised approach to tackle its unique security challenges effectively. Clarifying and resolving issues surrounding the National Security Strategy (NSS) is crucial for enhancing strategic clarity and operational readiness in safeguarding national interests.