Unveiling India's Strategic Security Strategy: Insights into the National Security Policy
In a bold move, Prime Minister Modi recently articulated some fundamental principles for India's national security policy during a nationwide address, following Operation Sindoor on May 12. These principles are likely to set the stage for future foreign and domestic policies as we navigate an ever-changing global landscape.
Prime Minister Modi made it clear that any further terrorist attacks originating from Pakistan will be considered acts of war, an unequivocal stance on zero tolerance towards terrorism of all forms. This assertive approach lines up with India's statements promoting "zero tolerance" towards terrorism on international platforms.
During the post-Cold War era, the international stage was marked by an escalation in insurgencies, separatist movements, and cross-border militancy, with estimates suggesting as many as 200 such conflicts. As the US gave Pakistan credit for the success of the anti-Soviet armed campaign in Afghanistan, Pakistan sought to replicate that success in Kashmir, sending radical Islamic militant groups like the Harkat-ul-Ansar to destabilize the region. Today, faith-based terrorism remains a significant threat to democracies worldwide, including India.
The US and Russia both express opposition to Islamic terror, following the ISIS-K terror attack on a Moscow concert hall in 2024, which resulted in the loss of 145 lives and the injury of 500 people. Terrorism continues to pose a significant threat to India, justifying its placement at the top of the national security agenda.
India's relationship with the Non-Aligned Movement throughout the Cold War was complex. India appeared to align with one side in the ideological conflict between the Soviet Union and the US, ultimately adopting a mixed economy approach and demonstrating the ability to maintain friendly relationships with countries across the globe. India's commitment to world peace, as voiced by Prime Minister Modi, is crucial in maintaining peaceful relations.
At the same time, India is working to strengthen its economic might and self-sufficiency in defense, welcoming foreign investment in the defense sector under the condition that technology will be shared and production in India will be encouraged. This policy is an integral part of India's security mandate.
India's foreign policy supports bilateral friendships in a multi-polar world order, allowing the country to effectively respond to military conflicts around the globe. However, India must be prepared to face the double threat of its two border adversaries acting in concert against the nation, particularly in Kashmir. The Sino-Pak axis presents a significant challenge, necessitating a broader global outlook for India's national security strategy. India's strategic partnership with the US based on their shared opposition to Islamic terrorism and the American firm support for India against Chinese hostilities can help sustain this friendship.
The US must view the Pakistan-Afghanistan region as a breeding ground for Islamic terrorism, heeding India's frequent reminders of the situation there. Pakistan's attempts to maintain friendly ties with the US while harboring radical terrorist groups on its soil demonstrate the need for constant vigilance.
India's national security policy must not forget to address internal security challenges, including maintaining national unity and upholding the rule of law across diverse communities to address historical fractures. The government is already working on improving coordination between central and state law enforcement agencies to combat digital radicalization and sleeper cell threats.
The evolution of India's national security policy must be seen as an ongoing process, with continuity in strategic interests and the capacity for tactical adjustments in response to geopolitical shifts and economic trends. The national security policy must also outline the nation's approach to safeguarding internal security, integrity, and unity in a vast, diverse country like India.
(Adapted from an original piece by DC Pathak,a former Director Intelligence Bureau)
Key Elements of India's National Security Policy:
- Proactive Strategy and Zero Tolerance towards Terrorism: The Modi government has shifted from a policy of deterrence to one of "compellence," actively imposing costs on hostile actors and treating further terrorist attacks from Pakistan as acts of war.
- Strategic Autonomy and Global Partnerships: India aims to maintain strategic autonomy while engaging in international partnerships to enhance its global standing. The US, in particular, has become a key partner in defense capabilities development under initiatives like the "Make in India" program.
- Regional Dynamics: India must be prepared to face the double threat of border adversaries. The Sino-Pak axis, particularly in Kashmir, presents a significant challenge that necessitates a broader global outlook for India's national security strategy.
- Internal Security and Unity: The government emphasizes maintaining national unity and upholding the rule of law across diverse communities, addressing historical fractures. Improved coordination between central and state law enforcement agencies is key to combating digital radicalization and sleeper cell threats.
- Defense Indigenization and Economic Self-Reliance: The "Make in India" initiative promotes indigenous defense manufacturing, while the government aims for economic self-reliance to enhance strategic autonomy and reduce dependence on foreign imports.
- Prime Minister Modi's proactive stance against terrorism extends beyond India's borders, treating further terrorist attacks from Pakistan as acts of war, aligning with India's international statements promoting zero tolerance towards terrorism.
- In addition to its domestic policies, India aims to maintain strategic autonomy while fostering global partnerships, particularly with the US, in response to the growing threat of war-and-conflicts and the need for economic self-sufficiency in defense.
- Crime-and-justice and internal security are integral components of India's national security policy, with a focus on upholding the rule of law across diverse communities, improving coordination among law enforcement agencies, and combating digital radicalization and sleeper cell threats. General-news reports suggest that this is a critical step towards maintaining national unity and addressing historical fractures.
