Incorrect to Say India Doesn’t Have a National Security Strategy, Says CDS

Context:

• Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan has stated that it is incorrect to claim India lacks a National Security Strategy (NSS).
• While acknowledging the absence of a formally published NSS document, he emphasised that India follows a de facto strategic framework, evident through coherent policy decisions and institutional mechanisms.
• His remarks were made in the context of evolving multi-domain security challenges across land, sea, air, cyber, and space.

Key Highlights:

What is a National Security Strategy (NSS)?

• A National Security Strategy is a comprehensive framework that outlines:
  • National interests and strategic objectives
  • Threat perceptions (internal and external)
  • Resource prioritisation and capability development
  • Institutional roles and coordination mechanisms
• Many countries publish an NSS to ensure:
  • Strategic clarity
  • Civilian oversight
  • Inter-agency coherence

CDS Perspective: Strategy Exists Without Documentation

• In his book “Ready, Relevant and Resurgent: A Blueprint for the Transformation of India’s Military”, Gen. Chauhan argues:
  • Absence of a written NSS ≠ absence of strategy
  • India’s actions reflect structured strategic thinking, including:
    • Abrogation of Article 370 and bifurcation of Jammu & Kashmir
    • Sustained counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations
    • Ongoing defence reforms and jointness initiatives
• Emphasises that execution and institutional capacity matter more than documentation alone.

Institutional Mechanisms Supporting India’s Security Framework

• Defence Planning Committee (DPC):
  • Constituted in 2018 under the National Security Adviser (NSA).
  • Mandated to draft:
    • National Security Strategy (NSS)
    • National Defence Strategy (NDS)
  • However, no official NSS has been released as of 2025.
• Chief of Defence Staff (CDS):
  • Enhances joint planning, integration, and prioritisation among the armed forces.
• Senior leaders like General Manoj Naravane have advocated a formal NSS/NDS to:
  • Enable theatre command integration
  • Improve long-term capability planning

Comparative Insights: Pakistan and Israel

• Pakistan:
  • Released a written NSS in 2022
  • Suffers from weak civilian control and institutional incoherence, leading to poor implementation
• Israel:
  • Does not publish a formal NSS
  • Relies on robust institutions, political-military integration, and strategic culture
  • Widely regarded as a highly effective security state

Relevant Prelims Points:

• Issue: Whether absence of a written NSS implies strategic vacuum.
• Key Terms:
  • National Security Strategy (NSS)
  • National Defence Strategy (NDS)
• Institutions:
  • Chief of Defence Staff (CDS)
  • Defence Planning Committee (2018)
  • National Security Adviser (NSA)
• Examples of Strategic Action:
  • Abrogation of Article 370
  • Defence reforms and military restructuring
• Impact:
  • Highlights India’s practice-driven security doctrine

Relevant Mains Points:

• Governance and Strategic Clarity:
  • A formal NSS can:
    • Improve civil–military coordination
    • Strengthen parliamentary and civilian oversight
    • Communicate India’s intent to domestic and international audiences
• Institutional vs Documentary Approach:
  • Strategy is effective when backed by:
    • Strong institutions
    • Clear chains of command
    • Inter-agency coordination
  • Mere documentation, without execution capacity, is inadequate.
• Gaps Identified:
  • Lack of a written NSS leads to:
    • Strategic ambiguity for stakeholders
    • Challenges in long-term defence planning
    • Limited public and academic scrutiny
• Way Forward:
  • Publish a concise, periodically updated NSS aligned with India’s strategic culture.
  • Complement NSS with a classified NDS for operational clarity.
  • Institutionalise whole-of-government and whole-of-nation approaches.
  • Balance strategic flexibility with democratic transparency and accountability.