Introduction

• Current Context: India faces increasing pressures to develop a coherent national security strategy. Geopolitical shifts, regional tensions, and ongoing global conflicts (e.g., Ukraine and Gaza) necessitate a reassessment of security priorities.
• Economic Ambitions: India aims to become a $4 trillion economy. However, this ambition may face significant challenges due to external factors that could hinder global growth and, subsequently, India’s economic progress. Economic health is pivotal for national security, impacting everything from health to defense funding.

Defining National Security

• Ambiguity of the Term: National security encompasses various elements and differs in meaning across countries and contexts.
  • United States Perspective: The U.S. defines national security through a mix of its values and interests. The National Security Strategy (NSS) focuses heavily on maintaining leadership and economic dominance, reflecting a pragmatic approach where support for authoritarian regimes may coexist with democratic ideals.
  • United Kingdom’s Approach: The UK positions itself as a global power through alliances, emphasizing collaboration with allies despite its economic limitations. The Integrated Review of 2021 showcases this ambition.
  • France’s Strategy: France’s national security considerations, especially following the Ukraine crisis, highlight its nuclear capabilities and aspirations for European leadership, illustrating the strategic re-evaluations that come with geopolitical upheavals.

The Need for India’s National Security Strategy

• Holistic Integration: India requires an NSS that coherently integrates various sectors, including defense, finance, climate change, and economic growth. This integration is essential to create a unified approach to national security.
• Secrecy as a Necessity: Crafting the NSS must be conducted discreetly to effectively articulate national threats without compromising strategic advantages. A transparent process might expose vulnerabilities.

Multi-Alignment Strategy

• Shift from Non-Alignment: Historically rooted in the Non-Aligned Movement, India’s current strategy has transitioned to “multi-alignment.” This allows India to forge relationships with multiple nations based on shared interests and strategic necessities.
• Engagement in Strategic Alliances:
  • Quad: Comprising Australia, India, Japan, and the U.S., this grouping focuses on security and freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific, demonstrating India’s willingness to collaborate with powerful nations.
  • BRICS: In contrast, BRICS, led by China and including Brazil and Russia, reflects India’s need to diversify partnerships, especially given the complexities of its relationship with China.

Threat Assessment and Resource Allocation

• Identifying Threats: A comprehensive assessment of external and internal threats is vital for prioritizing national security needs. Currently, public discourse often neglects explicit references to threats in economic policies.
• Resource Allocation Challenges: With limited resources, prioritization becomes crucial. The NSS must clarify which defense capabilities require strengthening and identify existing gaps, particularly in naval power compared to China.

Transparency vs. Secrecy

• Public Messaging Dilemma: An open national security document must balance the need for transparency with the imperative of maintaining strategic secrecy. Effective communication is necessary to inform the public while protecting sensitive information.
• Domestic and International Implications: Politically, a robust NSS could face scrutiny and demands for assertiveness from the public and opposition parties. Internationally, it must reflect India’s nuanced foreign policy, particularly its balanced stance in ongoing global conflicts.

Integration with Economic Strategy

• Linking Security and Economy: National security is intrinsically linked to economic health. The NSS should provide a framework that guides industrial development and financial planning, ensuring that economic resilience supports security objectives.
• Streamlined Directive Issuance: The NSS should aim for clarity and cohesion, directing various ministries and sectors towards common security and economic goals. This approach could foster greater alignment among diverse government functions.

Conclusion

• Critical Need for an NSS: Developing a comprehensive national security strategy is an urgent necessity for India. It must encompass defense, economic priorities, and internal coherence while maintaining the discretion required for effective governance.
• Strategic Recommendations:
  • Conciseness and Focus: The NSS should be straightforward, prioritizing key areas without overwhelming detail.
  • Protecting Sensitive Information: Keeping the strategy confidential is essential to safeguard national interests and maintain strategic advantages