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National Security Strategy
Context:
The growing demand for a national security strategy is due to regional instability, stronger old enemies, and uncertain new alliances. India’s goal of becoming a $4 trillion economy is being challenged by global problems like the wars in Ukraine and Gaza.
Defining ‘National Security’:
- National security is an evolving concept that varies by country and context. In the U.S., it combines national values with economic and military interests, projecting power both domestically and globally.
- Similarly, the U.K. and France align their security strategies with global roles, often focusing on economic strength and alliances.
- In today’s changed and complex world, security now has a much broader construct that includes non military dimensions like Food & Energy security ,internal security, economic and social security, environment sustainability, cyber security etc.
India’s National Security Strategy Components and Challenges
Defence and Military Security
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- Key Elements: Territorial integrity (e.g., LAC with China), military modernization (Rafale acquisition, CDS ), nuclear deterrence (Agni-V), Indo-Pacific strategy (Malabar exercises).
- Defence Prioritization and Budgeting :An NSS would also need to prioritise defence acquisitions, focusing on areas like the Indo-Pacific, where India lags behind China in submarine and ship-building capacities.
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Internal Security
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- Key Elements: Counterterrorism (Operation All-Out in J&K), law enforcement improvements, cybersecurity (I4C initiative), counter-insurgency (Operation Samadhan in Maoist areas).
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Economic Security
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- Key Elements: Energy security (strategic oil reserves), trade and investment protection (Atmanirbhar Bharat), financial stability (Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code).
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K. Subrahmanyam emphasised a comprehensive approach to national security, integrating military strength, economic resilience, and diplomatic engagement. In his article, “The Need for a National Security Strategy,” he called for a clear articulation of India’s strategic objectives aligned with its national interests.
Food and Water Security
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- Key Elements: Agricultural resilience (crop insurance eg PMFBY), water dispute management (Indus Water Treaty).
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Energy Security
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- Key Elements: Renewable energy (International Solar Alliance), strategic petroleum reserves.
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Environmental and Climate Security
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- Key Elements: Climate change response (Paris Agreement goals), disaster preparedness (NDRF), air quality control (GRAP in Delhi).
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Diplomatic and Geopolitical Security
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- Key Elements: Multilateral diplomacy (BRICS, G20), regional stability efforts (Land Boundary Agreement with Bangladesh), strategic partnerships (Quad).
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Technological and Space Security
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- Key Elements: Technological innovation (Tejas LCA), space security (Mission Shakti, GSAT-7A satellite).
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Nandan Nilekani,In his article, “Data and National Security,” Nilekani explores the intersection of technology and national security, emphasising the importance of safeguarding data in the modern digital landscape.
Social and Political Stability
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- Key Elements: Communal harmony initiatives (Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat), maintaining political stability (EVM implementation).
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Health Security
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- Key Elements: Public healthcare systems (Ayushman Bharat), pandemic preparedness (Vaccine Maitri).
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Border Management
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- Key Elements: Smart border management (CIBMS, laser walls), securing borders (combating illegal immigration and smuggling).
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Benefits of a National Security Strategy:
- Strategic Assessment: Periodic reviews to identify and address evolving threats.
- Framework for Long-Term Planning: Rational allocation of resources and military capabilities.
- International Signalling: Clarify strategic intent to allies and adversaries.
- Government Coordination: Align military and civilian national security efforts.
- Accountability: Provide transparency and clarity to citizens and Parliament.
Challenges in implementing a National Security Doctrine include:
- Evolving Threats: Addressing dynamic security challenges like cyberattacks and crypto-terrorism is complex.
- Stakeholder Consensus: Balancing the interests of political parties, officials, policymakers, and security agencies is difficult.
- Resource Allocation: Ensuring sufficient resources for effective implementation remains a major obstacle.
- Public Awareness: Limited public understanding of the need for a national security strategy has hindered its development.
Conclusion:
- Centrality of the People in National Security:A National Security Strategy (NSS) must prioritise the well-being of the population, as true security cannot be achieved amidst discrimination, inequality, and limited opportunities..
- Balancing Domestic Pride and Foreign Policy Flexibility:A public NSS may fulfil domestic desires for national pride but could constrain India’s foreign policy, especially in navigating complex global conflicts like those in Ukraine and Gaza.
- Values-Based Approach to National Security: India should avoid appearing hypocritical, unlike major powers. Therefore, while an NSS is crucial, it must be value-based, reflecting ancient traditions such as non-interference and the principle of Vasudev Kutumbakam.