India’s national security landscape is evolving rapidly, with geopolitical tensions, border conflicts, and emerging cyber threats necessitating a comprehensive security doctrine. In line with this, Operation Sindoor was launched to counter terrorist threats and strengthen India’s defence posture.
Current Framework of National Security
(a) National security is the exclusive segment of the military and law enforcement agencies, but it encompasses politics, diplomacy, social stability, and economic resilience with military defence, cybersecurity, intelligence coordination, and counterterrorism efforts to ensure a nation’s long-term safety and sovereignty.
(b) Chanakya’s Mandala Theory famously states that an immediate neighbour is likely to be an adversary. However, it emphasised that a kingdom is only as secure as its farthest borders, meaning that strategic diplomacy and internal stability play an essential role in national security.
Key Aspects of India’s National Security
(i) Military and Border Security: India keeps a strong defence position along its borders with China and Pakistan, ensuring territorial integrity. Recent operations, including Operation Sindoor, have reaffirmed India’s commitment to counterterrorism and showcase military preparedness.
(ii) Cybersecurity and Digital Defence: India is financing cyber defence infrastructure to counter cyber threats and digital warfare. The government has come up with AI-driven cybersecurity initiatives to safeguard critical infrastructure and financial setups.
(iii) Intelligence and Counterterrorism: India always keeps vigilance and nullifies terrorist threats, ensuring national stability. India’s diplomatic channels prioritise making robust global security partnerships.
Why is it needed?
(i) Strategic Clarity and Preparedness: A national security doctrine would put forward clear guidelines for retaliation to threats, be it military conflicts or cyber warfare. It would help keep in line with defence policies with India’s economic and diplomatic strategies.
(ii) Deterrence Against Hostile Forces: India’s Nuclear Doctrine, which came in 2003, prioritised a trustworthy minimum deterrent. But border disputes with China and Pakistan require a wider security framework beyond nuclear deterrence.
(iii) Strengthening Defence and Intelligence Coordination: A formal doctrine would ensure coordination between the armed forces, intelligence agencies, and cybersecurity units. Also, it would make decision-making processes more efficient when a national security crisis happens.
Key Elements of a National Security Doctrine
(a) Defining India’s Strategic Priorities: Identifying critical security challenges and long-term defence objectives.
(b) Cybersecurity and Technological Warfare: Addressing digital threats, AI-driven warfare, and cyber attacks.
(c) Border Security and Counterterrorism: Robust military preparedness and intelligence operations.
(d) Diplomatic and Economic Security: Integrating foreign policy as well as trade security measures into defence planning.
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Way forward
(i) 5 key areas in draft National Security Policy that Shyam Saran, former chairman of the National Security Advisory Board (NSAB), has prepared and handed over to the government in January 2015: Domestic security, External security, Military preparedness, Economic security, and Ecological security.
(ii) “Strategic communication” is of overriding importance in National Security, which needs improvement. A command, control, and communication centre should be there.
(iii) The NSD should guide various doctrines related to external and internal security. It will fill a huge void in the higher defence management of the country.
(iv) It should go for integrating diplomatic engagement, domestic economic discipline, and amity among communities at home with military power.
(v) Emerging strategic technologies like Artificial Intelligence, robotics, etc., are likely to play an increasingly important role in future warfare. So this requires utmost attention.
Conclusion
India’s security challenges require an organised and systematic national security doctrine that brings strategic clarity, deterrence, and coordination between concerned agencies. So, by formulating a comprehensive security policy, India can make its defence posture stronger. As a result, protection of national interests in an increasingly complex global environment will be ensured.