Changes in India’s National Security Council

Source: The post changes in India’s National Security Council has been created, based on the article “What it means — and could mean — to be India’s National Security Advisor” published in “Indian express” on 8th July 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper3-security

Context: The article discusses recent changes in India’s National Security Council, including the addition of a new Additional National Security Advisor (ANSA) and changes in how top security officials report to each other and the Prime Minister. It questions the roles and responsibilities of these positions and the impact of these changes.

For detailed information on National Security Strategy of India read this article here

What Changes Have Been Made to India’s National Security Council?

1. New Appointments and Structure: The National Security Council now includes an Additional National Security Advisor (ANSA) along with three deputy NSAs, expanding the leadership structure.
2. Change in NSA’s Role: The role of the National Security Advisor (NSA) has shifted to be more advisory rather than operational. The NSA now focuses on working with advisory bodies like the National Security Advisory Board and the Strategic Policy Group.
3. Reporting Relationships Altered: The NSA, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), and other key military and civil leaders are required to report both to the NSA and their respective ministers, complicating the chain of command and potentially leading to bureaucratic delays.
4. Introduction of Additional Bureaucratic Layer: The ANSA now acts as a gatekeeper in communications between six mid-level unit heads (three deputy NSAs and three service officers) and the NSA, adding a new layer of bureaucracy.

What Are the Broader Implications?

1. Uncertainty in Role Definitions: The lack of clear definitions for the roles and responsibilities of the NSA and other security officials could lead to inefficiencies in managing national security.
2. Potential for Turf Wars: The restructuring might cause conflicts between different government departments, as seen in potential meetings convened by the NSA with the Cabinet Secretary and other top bureaucrats, potentially upsetting established hierarchies.
3. Speculation on Leadership Succession: The restructuring has prompted speculation about the future of the current NSA, Ajit Doval, and whether the new ANSA, Rajinder Khanna, will replace him. This uncertainty could impact strategic continuity and stability.
4. Influence on Security Briefings: With the new bureaucratic layer introduced by the ANSA acting as a gatekeeper in communication, there’s uncertainty about whether the NSA or ANSA will handle the PM’s daily security briefings, which affects the direct flow of information to the Prime Minister.
5. Hierarchical Discrepancies: Elevating the NSA to a cabinet rank while assigning the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) the rank of a secretary reduces the CDS’s influence in key security discussions, especially since the CDS is not a permanent member of the cabinet committee on security.
6. Impact on Defence Strategy: By not having the CDS report directly to the Prime Minister, there may be delays and inefficiencies in addressing urgent defense modernization needs and strategic planning in response to regional security challenges.

Question for practice:

Examine how the recent changes in the structure and reporting relationships within India’s National Security Council might impact the efficiency and effectiveness of managing national security.