India Need a National Security Strategy (NSS)

Source: The post India need a National Security Strategy (NSS) has been created, based on the article “India needs a ‘National Security Strategy’” published in “The Hindu” on 23rd September is 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3- Security challenges and their management

Context: The article discusses the need for India to develop a National Security Strategy. It emphasizes that such a strategy should prioritize economic and defence resources, address external threats like China, and maintain secrecy. It highlights the challenges of balancing defence and diplomacy.

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

Why Does India Need a National Security Strategy (NSS)?

1. External Threats: India faces increasing challenges from a belligerent eastern neighbor, China, with whom it has an $85 billion trade deficit and military inequalities, like fewer submarines and warships.
2. Global Instability: Ongoing wars in Ukraine and Gaza are affecting global growth, which threatens India’s economic ambitions of becoming a $4 trillion economy.
3. Multi-alignment Strategy: India’s strategy of balancing relationships through alliances like the Quad and BRICS requires a coherent National Security Strategy to manage these diverse diplomatic and defence needs.
4. Economic Strength: The economy is crucial to national security, with various ministries vying for limited resources. A National Security Strategy would help India prioritize and manage its defence and economic objectives effectively.

What Should Be Included in a National Security Strategy?

1. Defense and Economy Integration: The National Security Strategy (NSS) should align defense needs with economic goals, recognizing the critical role the economy plays in security. For instance, defense budgeting should be transparent and prioritize investments in key areas like submarine and shipbuilding where India lags behind China significantly.
2. Multi-Alignment Foreign Policy: The NSS should formalize India’s multi-alignment strategy, which includes balancing relationships within groups like the Quad and BRICS. This strategy helps India manage its $85 billion trade deficit with China while addressing security challenges.
3. Confidentiality: The strategy should remain classified to protect national interests. Revealing vulnerabilities could compromise India’s position against more powerful neighbors like China.
4. Strategic Resource Allocation: The NSS should outline how resources are allocated across different sectors like defense, finance, and technology. It should prioritize investments in sectors crucial for national security, ensuring balanced growth and readiness.

How Does the U.S. and Other Countries Define National Security?

1. United States: The U.S. defines national security as a union of values and national interests. The National Security Strategy (NSS) mentions “values” 29 times, emphasizing America’s leadership role. It influences other documents like the National Defense Strategy and budgeting.
2. United Kingdom: The U.K.’s 2021 Integrated Review focuses on global partnerships and maintaining its status as a European power, despite its limited military resources, such as insufficient aircraft for its carriers.
3. France: In 2022, France’s NSS focused on nuclear deterrence due to the Ukraine war, aiming to assert European leadership, though it faced limited success.

Question for practice:

Examine how India’s National Security Strategy (NSS) should address the economic and defence challenges posed by China.