Analysis India's National Security Strategy: Balancing Transparency and Secrecy

The demand for a formally declared National Security Strategy (NSS) for India has sparked thoughtful public debate. While the concept has merit, there are crucial reasons why certain elements of national security must remain confidential, especially when it comes to the country's responses to dynamic threat scenarios.

Security in a Changing World​

Today's security environment is complex. Traditional assessments have been upended by the rise of proxy wars, cyber threats, and the increasing use of terrorism as a tool by adversaries. These factors require new approaches to crafting an effective national security response.

Public Knowledge vs. Protected Information​

There is broad agreement on publicly accepted pillars of national security. These include promoting public awareness of security challenges, the vital link between national security and economic prosperity, and the need to defend against cyber threats.

However, many details crucial for formulating India's security strategy and responses – such as threat assessments and detailed countermeasures – must necessarily remain confidential.

Pillars of India's National Security​

India's national security rests on a combination of:

• Defense Capabilities: Bolstering India's military strength, including through strategically planned defense acquisitions and promotion of indigenous defense manufacturing.
• Robust Intelligence: Building a strong security framework anchored in the work of agencies like the Intelligence Bureau, Research and Analysis Wing, and the National Technical Research Organisation.
• National Power: Developing the economy, infrastructure, and harnessing the demographic dividend, alongside strategic trade agreements with major global partners.

The Evolving Role of the National Security Advisor (NSA)​

The coordination between military, civilian, and technical intelligence agencies is crucial for India's national security. The NSA serves a pivotal role in:

• Policy Formation: Influencing the development of India's security policy and coordinating strategies to address security threats.
• Nuclear Command: Advising the Prime Minister's Nuclear Command Authority.
• Cyber Security: Shaping India's policies through the National Information Board and agencies like CERT-IN.
• Defense Planning: Aligning strategic objectives with the nation's defense needs through the Defence Planning Committee.

The Limits of Transparency​

While many aspects of India's defense and security infrastructure are public knowledge, operational responses to covert or potential threats must remain confidential. India's successes in areas like:

• Defense Acquisition Policy: Emphasizing 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat', encouraging investment in India's defense corridors, and working towards self-reliance.
• Foreign Policy: Adopting a multipolar approach to international relations and asserting India's role as a major power in matters of global significance.
• Internal Security: Strongly opposing terrorism and calling for international cooperation to counter it.

...all represent aspects of India's National Security Strategy in action.

Conclusion​

India's strategic experts and the public are right to call for a clear framework for national security.

However, it's essential to recognize the crucial difference between declaring the country's security infrastructure and its capabilities, and maintaining the necessary secrecy of India's responses to evolving threats.

This balance is vital to protect the nation's interests in a dynamic and often unpredictable security landscape.