Incorrect to say India doesn’t have a National Security Strategy, says CDS, Pg15

Key Highlights:

• Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan clarifies that while India lacks a formal written National Security Strategy (NSS), the country does have a de facto strategic framework.
• He emphasizes that security decisions like abrogation of Article 370 reflect a coherent strategic vision.
• Compares India’s approach with Israel and Pakistan, highlighting structural execution over written documentation.

Detailed Insights:

What is the National Security Strategy (NSS)?

• A National Security Strategy is a comprehensive document that outlines a nation's strategic objectives, threat perceptions, resource allocations, and institutional responses.
• India has not yet published an official NSS, despite the growing security challenges it faces across land, sea, air, cyber, and space domains.

CDS Perspective: Strategy Exists Without Documentation

• General Chauhan’s book “Ready, Relevant and Resurgent: A Blueprint for the Transformation of India’s Military” argues:
• The absence of a written document does not imply the absence of strategic planning.
• Security decisions like bifurcation of J&K, counter-insurgency operations, and defence reforms show structured thinking.
• He points out that countries like Israel also lack a published NSS, yet are globally recognized as strategic actors.

Institutional Mechanisms in Place

• Defence Planning Committee (DPC) formed in 2018 under the National Security Adviser (NSA) was tasked with formulating an NSS and a National Defence Strategy (NDS).
• However, no official NSS has been released as of 2025.
• Senior military figures like General Manoj Naravane have advocated for a formal NSS and NDS to facilitate integration of theatre commands.

Comparative Insight: Pakistan and Israel

• Pakistan released a written NSS in 2022 but suffered lack of institutional structures, leading to poor implementation.
• Israel remains one of the world’s most militarized states despite not having a formal NSS, relying on robust institutional execution.

Significance:

• Reinforces that written documentation alone doesn’t guarantee national security.
• Emphasizes the importance of institutions, execution frameworks, and inter-agency coordination.
• Highlights a strategic gap in communication and civilian oversight that can be bridged through formal NSS articulation.

Mains Mock Question:

Critically examine whether the absence of a formally published National Security Strategy (NSS) undermines India’s strategic preparedness. Compare with global experiences to support your argument.