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UPSC » Daily News Analysis ‘India’s National Security Doctrine’: 21 June

Daily News Analysis ‘India’s National Security Doctrine’: 21 June

Recently, the Indian Chief of Defence Staff commented on the formulation of a written National Security Strategy, highlighting significant policy shifts.

Table of Content

About India’s National Security Doctrine (NSD): 

  • It is a comprehensive framework that outlines the country’s approach to ensuring its national security across multiple dimensions. 
  • India does not have an officially published National Security Doctrine.

 Key components:

  • Territorial Integrity and Sovereignty: Border Security & Counterinsurgency Operations: Addressing insurgencies in regions like Jammu & Kashmir, the Northeast, and combating Maoist (Naxalite) activities.
  • Defense Modernization: includes procuring advanced weaponry, enhancing cyber warfare capabilities, and improving the technological edge of its armed forces.
  • Nuclear Doctrine: Credible Minimum Deterrence & No First Use (NFU) Policy
  • Counterterrorism: Internal Security Measures & Cross-border Terrorism 
  • Internal Security: addressing threats from insurgent groups, Maoist (Naxalite) movements, and communal violence. 
  • Economic Security: includes ensuring energy security, protecting critical infrastructure, fostering technological advancement, and maintaining a stable and resilient economy.
  • Maritime Security: protecting extensive coastline and exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
  • Safeguarding sea lanes of communication, countering piracy, and enhancing its presence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
    • Cybersecurity: protect critical information infrastructure and prevent cyber-attacks.
  • Diplomatic Engagement:
  • Strategic Partnerships: Strengthening strategic partnerships with major global powers like the United States, Russia, Japan, and the European Union.
  • Regional Stability: Promoting stability in South Asia through regional cooperation mechanisms like SAARC and BIMSTEC.
  • Multilateral Engagement: Active participation in international organizations such as the United Nations, BRICS, and the G20 to shape global norms and policies.
  • Intelligence Gathering: India has several intelligence agencies, including the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) and the Intelligence Bureau (IB), which focus on external and internal threats respectively.
  • Human Security: Disaster Management & Human Rights and Development
  • Key Policy Documents and Statements
  • Joint Doctrine of the Indian Armed Forces (2017): Outlines the principles and strategies for joint operations by the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.
  • Annual Reports by the Ministry of Defence: Provide insights into defence policies, modernization plans, and security challenges.
  • Speeches by Prime Ministers and National Security Advisors

Difference between ‘Strategy’ & ‘Doctrine’: 

  • A doctrine is a set of fundamental principles or guidelines that inform actions and decisions. It is a codified set of beliefs or instructions that shape how objectives are to be achieved. 
  • Whereas a Strategy is a comprehensive plan or set of goals designed to achieve long-term objectives set by Doctrine or Policy.

Why in the News?

  • Recently, the Indian Chief of Defence Staff commented on the formulation of a written National Security Strategy, highlighting significant policy shifts.