Chronological outline of India’s National security structure before the
establishment of the National Security Council (NSC) in 1999:
Pre-Independence Period
British Colonial Rule: National security was managed by the British Authorities through colonial Institutions. The primary focus was on maintaining law and order and defending British interests in the region.
Post Independence India
Transition Period: After gaining independence in 1947, India inherited the British colonial security structure. The primary focus was on Integrating princely states and managing internal security challenges.
1950s
Formation of Key Ministries:
Ministry of Defence (MoD): Responsible for defending the country against external threats.
Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA): Focused on internal security, law, and order.
Establishment of Armed Forces: The Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force were established as key components of National defense.
1960s
1962 Sino-Indian War: Highlighted significant deficiencies in India’s defense preparedness and intelligence.
Intelligence Agencies:
Intelligence Bureau (IB): Tasked with internal intelligence.
Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) (1968): Formed for external intelligence after the 1962 war.
1970s
Indo-Pak War of 1971: Led to a re Evaluation of defense and security policies. This period saw increased military modernization and strategic planning.
1980s
Rise of Insurgency: Increased insurgencies in Punjab, Northeast India, and the rise of militant Activities in Jammu and Kashmir required a more coordinated approach to internal security.
Operational Commands: The establishment of various Operational command within the armed forces to improve Coordination and efficiency in dealing with regional threats.
1990s
Kargil Conflict (1999): Exposed gaps in the Coordination and intelligence sharing among the various security and intelligence agencies.
Pre-1999 Security Coordination
Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS): The highest decision-making body On National security affairs, comprising the Prime Minister and senior ministers.
Chiefs of Staff Committee (COSC): A forum for the Chiefs of the Army, Navy, andAir Force to discuss and coordinate defense-related issues.Despite the presence of various bodies and agencies, there was a lack of a central body to integrate and coordinate National security policy and intelligence.
Establishment of the National Security Council (1999)
Following the Kargil conflict and Recommendations by the Kargil Review Committee, the National Security Council (NSC) was established in 1999 to provide a centralized structure for National security policy-making and Coordination.
The establishment of the NSC marked a significant shift towards a more structured and integrated approach to National security in India.
The National Security Council (NSC) of India is the apex body responsible for advising the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) on matters of National security and strategic interests.
The NSA is headed by the Prime Minister of India. The NSA acts as the secretary of the NSC and also as the primary advisor to the prime minister. Headquarters of the NSC is located in New Delhi.
NSA Members:
Besides the NSA, it includes
Deputy NSA
Additional NSA,
Ministers of Defence,
External Affairs,
Home Affairs,
Finance of the Government of India, and The Vice Chairman of the NITI Aayog (National Institution for Transforming India).
Additional officials may be invited to
monthly Meeting as needed.
Established in 1998, the NSC’s structure includes various key departments and
agencies that work together to address diverse aspects of National security.
1. National Security Advisor (NSA)
The NSA heads the NSC and is the principal advisor to the Prime Minister on
National and International security issues.
The NSA coordinates the work of the various agencies and departments within
the NSC.
2. National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS)
The NSCS is the Administrative body that supports the NSA in Coordinating and
Implementing National security policies.
It gathers intelligence, conducts strategic analysis, and formulates policy
Recommendations.
3. Strategic Policy Group(SPG)
The SPG is composed of senior officials from various ministries and
departments, including Defence, Home, Finance, External Affairs, and others.
It is responsible for Formulating strategic policy and ensuring Coordination
among different government agencies.
4. Joint Intelligence Committee (JIC)
The JIC is responsible for intelligence assessment and Coordination.
It includes Representatives from various intelligence agencies, such as the
Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), Intelligence Bureau (IB), and Defence
Intelligence Agency (DIA).
5. National Security Advisory Board (NSAB)
The NSAB consists of eminent Personalities
from various fields such as
academia, defense, intelligence, and civil service.
It provides inputs and Recommendations on National security issues.
6. Research and Analysis Wing (RAW)
RAW is the primary external intelligence agency responsible for gathering
foreign intelligence, counter-terrorism, and covert Operations.
It plays a crucial role in safeguarding India’s National security interests abroad.
7. Intelligence Bureau (IB)
The IB is responsible for internal intelligence, counter-intelligence, and counter-
terrorism within India.
It monitors and addresses internal threats to National security.
8. Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA)
The DIA is the primary agency responsible for defense-related intelligence.
It works closely with the armed forces to gather and analyze intelligence
related to military threats and Operations.
9. National Technical Research Organization (NTRO)
NTRO is responsible for technical intelligence, including satellite and cyber
intelligence.
It provides technological support to other intelligence agencies and plays a key
role in cyber security.
10. Special Protection Group (SPG)
The SPG is responsible for the security of the Prime Minister and other key
dignitaries.
It ensures the physical security of high-profile individuals and their immediate
family members.
11. National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)
NDMA coordinates disaster response and preparedness Activities.
It works to Mitigate the impact of natural and man-made disasters on National
security.
12. National Cyber Security Coordinator (NCSC)
The NCSC oversees and coordinates cyber security policies and Initiatives.
It works to protect Critical infrastructure and respond to cyber threats.
13. National Investigation Agency (NIA)
The NIA is responsible for Investigating and Prosecution offenses related to
terrorism and other National security threats.It works closely with state and central law enforcement agencies.
The National Security Council of India integrates the efforts of these
departments and agencies to create a cohesive and comprehensive National
security strategy. The multilayered structure ensures that various aspects of
security, from intelligence and defense to disaster management and cyber
security, are addressed Effectively
Suggested Reforms:
More Transparency and Oversight
1. The National Security Council is seen as necessary for a nuclear-enabled
country and it was Initially established to oversee nuclear policies. The
Composition of the NSC, though, has long been an ideological power struggle
between Politicians and high-ranking military officials. The result has been an
Organisational structure that exposes the country’s many shortcomings. This,
along with structural faults and Promoting ‘integrated thinking,’ in National
security affairs suggest the Effectiveness of the body. Yet the presence of an
Ineffective NSC is apparently better than an “independent and overarching
body” that may demonstrate too much power over other Institutions
concerned with National security.
2.The NSC, as it is today, was born through an Executive order. However, its
existence and continuity needs to be Sanctioned by an Act of Parliament, as in
the United States. The structure of the NSC is borrowed from counterpart
Organizations from democracies like the United States of America, the United
Kingdom and France. But in the case of India, the centralization of all National
security decision-making seems to hinder the process.
3.Perhaps the biggest problem facing the body to is the complete dearth of
detailed Information available about discussions in the NSC today. More
transparency would enable more Effective oversight.The NSC is often believed to be an inscrutable body that needs to operate more
efficiently
A widely suggested reform is that the NSC and its different levels must modify
its management system in a coordinated manner and work toward a more
action-oriented analysis and follow-up Action plans rather than concealed
discussions. The Joint Intelligence Council frequently morphing structure is
often cited as an example of this Dysfunction. It has been bifurcated, merged,
renamed, restored, and subordinated since its Inception.
RECENT PROGRESS :
Deputy National Security Advisor (NSA) Rajinder Khanna has been appointed as
the Additional NSA. This is the first time the additional NSA post has been filled
, a Position that has always existed but remained vacant until now.