• UGI USER
  • Jun 26, 2024
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INDIA NEEDS THE ANCHOR OF A NATIONAL SECURITY STRATEGY

Syllabus:

GS-3:

Internal Security, Role of External State and Non-State Actors in Creating Challenges to Internal Security, Security Challenges and Their Management in Border Areas, Linkages of Organized Crime with Terrorism.

Focus:

The article emphasizes the necessity for the Indian government to adopt a comprehensive National Security Strategy (NSS) to address various security challenges effectively and holistically.

Introduction:

  • The new National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government faces significant challenges in national security. Decisions on matters ranging from defense projects to international relations need a holistic and strategic approach.
  • The best option for the government is to step back and consider a holistic national security strategy, rather than making piecemeal decisions that waste resources and undermine national goals.

Regulatory Background and Concerns:

Current Fragmented Approach:

  • India’s security decisions are often made reactively and through internal bargaining among military services, leading to inefficiencies.
  • There is a lack of systematic evaluation and strategic vision in the current approach.

Need for a Comprehensive Strategy:

  • Most powerful states have a formal national security strategy, which India currently lacks.
  • Without a coherent NSS, India’s security planning is fragmented, often concentrating decision-making in the hands of a few individuals.

Benefits of a National Security Strategy (NSS)

Comprehensive Strategic Assessment:

  • A regular, well-crafted NSS would force the government to review global threats and opportunities systematically.
  • This includes evaluating the evolving challenges such as the growth of Chinese power.

Framework for Long-term Planning:

  • An NSS would provide a coherent framework for long-term planning and strategic competition.
  • It would help secure India’s interests by conceptualizing how to deter adversaries and form international partnerships.

Enhanced Coordination:

  • An NSS would create a mechanism for various arms of the government to synchronize their efforts, particularly within the military.
  • This would improve coordination among the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, as well as other security agencies.

Accountability and Transparency

Introduction of Accountability Tools:

  • An NSS would introduce mechanisms to ensure government actions align with leadership intent.
  • This would ensure transparency and accountability to the public and Parliament.

Clarification of Strategic Intent: An NSS would clarify India’s strategic objectives, helping to communicate its policies more clearly to international and domestic audiences.

Strategic Vision and Coordination

  1. Proactive Response to Global Challenges: An NSS would enable India to respond more effectively to regional and global challenges such as climate change and geopolitical tensions.
  2. Synchronization Across Agencies: By harmonizing efforts across various security and intelligence agencies, an NSS would enhance operational efficiency and policy coherence.

Long-term Benefits and Leadership

  1. Positioning India as a Global Leader: Developing an NSS is crucial for India to address long-term strategic risks and position itself as a global power.
  2. Intellectual Scaffolding for Strategic Decisions: An NSS would provide the necessary framework for making informed strategic decisions that support India’s rise on the global stage.

Conclusion

The editorial effectively argues for the establishment of a National Security Strategy in India. By highlighting the current fragmented approach to national security and the benefits of a comprehensive NSS, the article underscores the importance of long-term planning, coordination, and transparency. An NSS is crucial for India to navigate modern global security dynamics and solidify its position as a leading global power.

UPSC Relevance

  • General Studies Paper II (Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International Relations):
  • Importance of national security policies and their impact on governance and international relations.
  • Role of strategic planning in enhancing national security and international standing.
  • General Studies Paper III (Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management):
  • National security strategies and their relevance in addressing modern global threats such as climate change and geopolitical shifts.
  • Coordination among various security agencies and its importance in effective policy implementation.
  • Essay Paper: Topics related to national security, strategic planning, and India’s role in global politics can be discussed using insights from this editorial.

Mains Practice Question: GS-3

Discuss the rationale behind the need for a National Security Strategy (NSS) in India. How can such a strategy balance the need for regulatory oversight and economic growth?” (250 words)

Source: The Hindu