Context

The call for a national security strategy is gaining attention as the regional situation becomes increasingly unstable, old adversaries strengthen their positions, and new allies remain uncertain. India's ambition to achieve a $4 trillion economy may encounter significant challenges, particularly due to the ongoing wars in Ukraine and Gaza, which are impacting global growth. The economy is fundamental to all other aspects of governance; every ministry, from Health to Defense, seeks its share of resources. This necessitates careful prioritization amid limited resources, which is crucial for effective national security strategy development.

Overview

• India’s previous Efforts to Develop a National Security Strategy (NSS)
  • Kargil Review Committee Report (2000): Recommended national security measures post-conflict but did not lead to a formal NSS.
  • Naresh Chandra Task Force (2012): Addressed security issues but lacked immediate NSS release.
  • NSAB (National security advisory board): Drafted multiple NSS documents without formal adoption.
  • Gen. D.S. Hooda's Document (2019): A significant step toward developing an NSS for India.
• Countries with National Security Strategies
  • Developed nations with sophisticated military and security frameworks, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Russia, have established National Security Strategies.
  • China has a Comprehensive National Security Strategy, while Pakistan has published its National Security Policy for 2022-2026.

Interpreting the Term

• Define the national security
  • To undertake this task, it is essential to first define what "national security" encompasses. The term varies in meaning across different states and historical contexts.
  • For the United States, national security has traditionally revolved around a blend of values and national interests, allowing it to position itself as a leading democracy while supporting authoritarian regimes for economic benefits. President Biden's National Security Strategy (NSS), which references "values" 29 times, primarily focuses on maintaining America's leadership, which ultimately ties back to financial considerations.
• The Framework of the U.S. National Security Strategy
  • The U.S. NSS serves as a foundation for various related documents, such as the Defense Department's National Defense Strategy and the individual service branches’ posture documents. This framework is followed by budget approvals from Congress.
  • The national security approach functions as a mechanism for power projection both domestically and internationally. Externally, it aims to deter rising powers like China, while internally, it seeks to convey strength and resolve to voters, often showcasing and sometimes exaggerating military capabilities.
• Global Security Strategies of the UK and France
  • The United Kingdom, still aspiring to be a global power, issued an Integrated Review in 2021 that emphasized collaboration with allies for a worldwide role. Despite budget constraints limiting its naval capabilities, the UK aims to assert itself as a "European power with global interests."
  • In France, President Emmanuel Macron's 2022 review was prompted by the Ukraine conflict and reaffirmed the country's nuclear deterrent, serving as a political statement for European leadership, though it did not achieve its intended effect.
• The Need for an Integrated National Security Strategy in India
  • There is a consensus that India requires a national security strategy that integrates various elements such as defense, finance, investment, and climate change into a cohesive framework.
  • However, this process must be conducted with a high degree of confidentiality for valid reasons, as it necessitates a clear articulation of perceived threats.

Multi-Alignment and National Security Challenges in India

•  India’s budget speeches often overlook external and internal threats, with minimal focus on defense. While safeguarding sovereignty is vital, a strong economy is essential for maintaining international standing. Historically, India participated in the Non-Aligned Movement, but this principle has shifted toward “multi-alignment” to address challenges from a hostile eastern neighbor. This involves forming partnerships, such as the Quad (with Australia, Japan, and the U.S.) for security discussions, and engaging with BRICS as a counterbalance to Western reliance, despite a significant trade deficit with China.
• Articulating this in a public national security document is challenging, as India lacks the capacity to independently defend against China. Unlike the U.K., India does not rely on formal alliances. After assessing threats, responsibilities must be allocated among military services, identifying necessary equipment and capabilities. For instance, India’s submarine fleet is only a quarter the size of China’s, and delays in commissioning warships are concerning.
• A confidential national security document should acknowledge significant weaknesses rather than project mere capability. Public messaging must balance transparency with the current social media landscape, which demands assertiveness. While India’s past military interventions have been effective, neighboring countries may not view such strength favorably. Domestically, displays of bravado could provoke political backlash. Additionally, a formal NSS could limit India's diplomatic flexibility in complex situations like the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Unlike the U.S., India cannot afford the contradictions that may arise from strongly endorsing democracy in its strategy.

A Comprehensive Approach to National Security

• There is an urgent need for a national security document that encompasses more than just defense. It must also address economic priorities that will guide industry, financial institutions, and all the other components that sustain the economy. Currently, this work is often conducted piecemeal through various annual reports and surveys. The challenge lies in integrating these efforts to establish a clear and swift direction for the country.
• This process is best kept confidential, even while issuing separate directives to ministries and stakeholders. The National Security Council Secretariat is well-equipped for this task. While similar exercises have been undertaken in the past, they often become overly detailed and bureaucratic. Here’s some advice: keep it simple, concise, and specific. Above all, ensure it remains confidential; your adversaries would be eager to uncover its contents.

Conclusion

In a constantly changing world, a proactive and adaptable National Security Strategy is vital for India's well-being and success. By embracing a vigilant and flexible approach, India can navigate the shifting dynamics of global security more effectively, safeguarding its interests and values in the 21st century.

Source: The Hindu