Topic: Challenges to internal security through communication networks, role of media and social networking sites in internal security challenges, basics of cyber security; money-laundering and its prevention; Security challenges and their management in border areas
4) Many of India’s national security inadequacies stem from the absence of a national security vision. Critically analyze. (250 words)
why this question
The article discusses the inadequacies in India’s national security policy and highlights the absence but dire need for a national security vision.
Directive word
Critically analyze- here we have to examine methodically the structure or nature of the topic by separating it into component parts, and present them as a whole in a summary. Based on our discussion we have to form a concluding opinion on the issue.
Key demand of the question.
The question wants us to analyze the inadequacies of India’s national security policy and absence of a security vision. Based on our discussion we have to form an opinion on the overall issue.
Structure of the answer
Introduction– Write a few introductory lines about the importance of having a robust and forward looking national security policy.
Body-
- Discuss the problems and inadequacies of the national security policy. E.g mention the spurt in violence in Kashmir and increase in cross-border firing incidents; New Delhi’s neighbourhood policy continues to be in the doldrums and there is a clear absence of vision on how to balance, engage and work with the many great powers in the regional and the broader international scene; There is little conversation between the armed forces and the political class, and even lesser conversation among the various arms of the forces. This will soon become unsustainable for a country that aspires to be a modern great power; One of the most serious lacunas in our defence management is the absence of jointness in the Indian armed forces. Our doctrines, command structures, force deployments and defence acquisition continue as though each arm is going to fight a future war on its own etc.
- Discuss about the recently envisaged Defence Planning Committee (DPC) to assist in the creation of “national security strategy, international defence engagement strategy, roadmap to build (a) defence manufacturing ecosystem, strategy to boost defence exports, and priority capability development plans. Also mention the decision to to revive the Strategic Policy Group (SPG) within the overall National Security Council (NSC) system. Mention that India as a country should have an overall national security document from which the various agencies and the arms of the armed forces draw their mandate and create their own respective and joint doctrines which would then translate into operational doctrines for tactical engagement. In the absence of this, as is the case in India today, national strategy is broadly a function of ad hocism and personal preferences etc.
conclusion– based on your discussion, form a fair and a balanced conclusion on the given issue.
