{"id":12128,"date":"2025-10-15T16:34:24","date_gmt":"2025-10-15T11:04:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/?p=12128"},"modified":"2025-10-17T16:31:58","modified_gmt":"2025-10-17T11:01:58","slug":"national-security-strategy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/national-security-strategy\/","title":{"rendered":"National Security Strategy, Overview, Challenges, Significance"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><b>National Security Strategy (NSS)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> is a comprehensive document that outlines a country\u2019s security objectives, threats, and strategies to address them. It serves as a roadmap guiding a nation's approach to security matters, encompassing defence, diplomacy, economic stability, and internal security.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Many advanced nations have published and outlined their <strong>national security strategy<\/strong>. However, despite being a key global player, <\/span><b>India lacks a publicly accessible National Security Strategy (NSS)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">, a document pivotal for defining security objectives and strategies.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">National Security Strategy Overview<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><strong>National Security Strategy document<\/strong> outlines a country's security goals and the strategies to achieve them. It establishes a country's security objectives, defines its internal and external challenges, and offers guidance on achieving its national goals.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">It is updated regularly and defines <\/span><b>threats and opportunities<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> while introducing accountability of agencies tasked with carrying out such responsibilities.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">A national security strategy <\/span><b>directs the military and critical defence <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">and security reforms with strategic implications, providing a comprehensive view of overall national security, threats, and the path forward to address them.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>India<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> is one of the few significant countries with no publicly available<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400\">National Security Strategy.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">National Security Strategy in India<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><b>National security strategy in India <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">reflects a multifaceted approach to bolstering defence, protecting territorial sovereignty, and addressing emerging internal and external threats. India has made several attempts to formulate a National Security Strategy (NSS), including the Kargil Review Committee Report (2000) and the Naresh Chandra Task Force on Security (2012), which offered detailed recommendations but did not result in an official NSS.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Kargil Review Committee Report (2000): <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Established after the 1999 Kargil conflict, this report offered national security recommendations. Although publicly released, it did not result in a formal <b>National Security Strategy (NSS)<\/b>.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Naresh Chandra Task Force Report (2012):<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> This report covered national security issues, including defence and intelligence reforms, but did not lead to a formal <b>National Security Strategy (NSS)<\/b>.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>National Security Advisory Board (NSAB):<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> The NSAB has drafted several national security strategy documents over time, which were presented to various governments, but no formal <b>National Security Strategy <\/b>was established.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Gen. Hooda's Document (2019):<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> In 2019, Former Army Commander Lt. Gen. D.S. Hooda created a national security strategy document, representing a notable effort towards an official <b>National Security Strategy (NSS)<\/b> for India.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Need for National Security Strategy<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><b>Need for National Security Strategy in India <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">arises from evolving threats like cross-border terrorism, cyber warfare, internal insurgencies, and geopolitical tensions, requiring a comprehensive, coordinated, and future-ready approach to safeguard national interests.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Long-Standing Need: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The concept of a National Security Strategy for India has long been debated in military and strategic circles, but despite three previous attempts, it has yet to be implemented.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Enhanced Relevance:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> India is one of the top five economies and military powers in the world and a leader of the Global South. Most developed countries, such as the United States and the United Kingdom,<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400\">have a published National Security Strategy.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Urgency:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Increased geopolitical tensions and a volatile global environment have made it more urgent for India to develop a comprehensive strategy, especially since both rival neighbours, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/india-pakistan-relations\/\" target=\"_blank\"><b>Pakistan<\/b><\/a><b> and <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/india-china-relations\/\" target=\"_blank\"><b>China<\/b><\/a><b>,<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> have national security strategies.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Outdated Directives: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Existing directives for armed forces, like the <\/span><b>Raksha Mantri\u2019s operational directive<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> of 2009, are outdated and need revision. The National Security Strategy will play a pivotal role in these directives.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Clarity of Purpose:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> A National Security Strategy would provide clarity and direction to the government's security decision-making process. It would help to ensure that all agencies involved in national security are working towards common goals and objectives.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Enhanced Deterrence:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> A National Security Strategy would send a clear message to potential adversaries about India's resolve to defend itself. It would also help build trust and confidence among India's allies and partners.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Countering Emerging Threats: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">A national security strategy would help counter emerging threats such as\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/cyber-security\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>cybersecurity<\/strong>-<\/a>related\u00a0attacks and new forms of terrorism, as well as traditional security threats such as porous international <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/border-management\/\" target=\"_blank\">border management<\/a><\/strong> and naxalism.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">National Security Strategy Challenges<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><b>National Security Strategy (NSS)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> remains elusive in India despite growing strategic consensus. Political hesitance, ideological divides, stakeholder differences, and resource constraints continue to delay the formulation of a cohesive and actionable strategy.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Political Hesitance: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Despite the professional backing of the National Security Advisor, <strong>National Security Council<\/strong>, and other agencies and three attempts, the goal of a National Security Strategy has yet to be successful, primarily due to hesitation from the political echelons, who fear constraints on decision-making.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Various Stakeholders:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> A national security strategy requires reconciling the interests of various stakeholders involved in national security, including the military, intelligence agencies and diplomatic corps.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Difference Between Ideologies:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Due to political shifts in central government and the presence of coalition party governments, it is difficult to reach a unanimous consensus on the national security strategy.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Differing Views within the Government:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> The NSS is a complex document that needs to be prepared quickly because it brings together various ministries and government departments.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Various departments, including the<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Defence Ministry, the Intelligence Bureau, and the Home Ministry<\/span><b>,<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> have opposing viewpoints, so the procedure is taking time.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Limited Resource Allocation:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> While India's defence budget is growing, it still faces resource constraints. These constraints make it challenging to devote sufficient manpower and expertise to the development and implementation of an NSS.<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">For example, the allocation for defence expenditure increased by<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400\">10-12% over the current financial year\u2019s budget estimates (BE<\/span><b>)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">, but it is below the armed forces\u2019 expectations.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">National Security Strategy Significance<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><strong>National Security Strategy is significant<\/strong> for safeguarding national interests, ensuring territorial integrity, and responding to emerging threats. The implementation of a National Security Strategy in India could lead to clarity in vision, enhanced preparedness, modernisation and public awareness.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Clarity in Vision:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> A national security strategy would offer a clear roadmap for national security, outlining priorities, threats, and responses. It will provide a comprehensive framework for decision-making.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Diplomatic Significance:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> It could enhance India's image as a responsible and predictable power on the global stage, leading to stronger diplomatic relations and greater international cooperation on security issues.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Enhanced Preparedness: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The national security strategy improves India's preparedness against diverse security challenges, including cyber threats, terrorism, and naxalism, by anticipating and addressing future threats.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Modernisation:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> It can accelerate the pace of military modernisation and reforms by providing a structured guideline and streamlining the armed forces to meet evolving threats.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Public Awareness:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Having a national security strategy increases public awareness about security threats and fosters a sense of brotherhood and collective responsibility among citizens.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">National Security Strategy Way Forward<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><b>National Security Strategy Way Forward<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> emphasises a holistic approach integrating defence preparedness, technological advancement, intelligence reforms, cyber security, border management, and cooperative federalism to address evolving internal and external security challenges proactively.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Involvement of All Stakeholders: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The success of the <b>National Security Strategy (NSS)<\/b> will depend on its transparency, public consultation, and its ability to strike a balance between military preparedness and other essential aspects of national security.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Implementation of Previous Committees:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> While formulating the national security strategy, the government shall consider the recommendations of the Kargil Review Committee report, the Naresh Chandra Task Force on Security and the Hooda Committee.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Citizen-centric: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The national security strategy should be citizen-centric, representing people's values and beliefs while also attempting to raise public awareness and influence the public's view of national security issues.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Hooda Committee Recommendations<\/span><\/h3>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Hooda Committee, established in <\/span><b>2019<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> under Retd. Lieutenant General D.S. Hooda suggested enhancing India's National Security Strategy framework through global engagement, improved neighbourhood relations, and the resolution of internal conflicts, among others.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Global Engagement: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Based on its national interests, India should confidently engage with major powers like the US, Russia, and China.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Neighbourhood Relations:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Strengthen ties with neighbouring countries through soft power, improved connectivity, and regional trade.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Internal Conflicts:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Address issues in Jammu and Kashmir, the North East, and areas of Left-Wing Extremism through development, integration, and countering radicalisation.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Citizen Protection:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Prioritise protecting citizens from global and domestic risks, such as climate change, cyber threats, and internal changes.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Capability Enhancement:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Improve capabilities for protecting citizens and deterring adversaries by securing land and maritime borders.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Indigenous Defence:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Support research and development for indigenous defence platforms.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">National Security Strategy UPSC PYQs<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><b>Question 1:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> In the Constitution of India, the promotion of international peace and security is included in the <\/span><b>(UPSC Prelims 2014)\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">(a) Preamble to the Constitution\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">(b) Directive Principles of State Policy\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">(c) Fundamental Duties\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">(d) Ninth Schedule\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><b>Ans: (b)<\/b><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>National Security Strategy document defines a nation\u2019s security goals and specifies the methods to be used to attain them. Check about National Security Strategy, Need, Challenges. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":22,"featured_media":12159,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[35,38],"tags":[1289,40,665],"class_list":{"0":"post-12128","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-upsc-internal-security-notes","8":"category-upsc-notes","9":"tag-national-security-strategy","10":"tag-quest","11":"tag-upsc-internal-security-notes"},"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12128","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/22"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=12128"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12128\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":20007,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12128\/revisions\/20007"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/12159"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=12128"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=12128"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=12128"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}