A National Security Strategy for India: what it should be guided by

• The National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) is working on drafting India's first written National Security Strategy (NSS), a significant development after decades of debate.
• The need for a publicly articulated NSS is crucial for national cohesion, common understanding, and ensuring the well-being of India's people.

Comprehensive Nature of NSS

• The NSS will encompass all aspects of security, including military, economic, internal, diplomatic, human, climate, food and water security.
• Robust management of defence and internal security is essential to enable other forms of security.

Consultation and Iterative Process

• The preparation of the NSS will require wide consultations, as it involves multidimensional aspects of security.
• An iterative process with inter-ministerial consultation and multiple iterations is necessary before it can be considered by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS).
• The NSS may have both a public version and a classified one.

India's Growing Importance

• India's rising stature and growth projections make it a significant player in world affairs.
• Complex geopolitical scenarios necessitate detailed scrutiny and commentary on the publicly articulated NSS.

Guiding Principles of the NSS

• A National Security Doctrine should precede the NSS and provide guiding principles.
• The NSS must be in line with the principles found in India's Constitution.
• It must be flexible, adaptable, and taught to facilitate a common understanding among security planners and practitioners.

Hierarchy of Doctrines

• Doctrines exist at different levels, from national strategic to military-strategic, operational, and tactical levels.
• The NSS should serve as a critical doctrine that guides the formulation of lower doctrines.
• It should facilitate theaterisation of the Indian armed forces, with clear hierarchies and responsibilities.

Expected Timeline

• The progress of the NSS draft is unclear, but it should not be rushed.
• The NSS should evolve over time, and adjustments should be made as circumstances change.
• While there is a need for the NSS, it's wise to proceed cautiously, with an estimated timeframe of around two years.

Conclusion

• The drafting of India's first National Security Strategy is a significant step towards providing a comprehensive framework for addressing the nation's security needs in a rapidly changing global landscape.
• It is essential for guiding policies and ensuring national well-being.